prostate nodule, low psa

[fafswp]

my husband (55yo white male) recently had a physical and a small nodule was found on his prostate.  his PSA was 0.72 and the only other symptom is occasional hematuria.  he doesn't have a family history of prostate cancer, but does have a history of smoking.  How concerned should we be about cancer?  Everything I've read says there is a 50/50 chance that nodules indicate cancer.  Are prostate nodules common as one gets older?  he has an appointment scheduled with a urologist, but we'd like some information before his appointment.  What else could cause a prostate nodule?
Thank you-

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi

I do understand your concern. You have mentioned the PSA level to be 0.72. Is this is in ng/ml? If this is so, the upper limit is 4.0 ng/ml. It is actually the PSA velocity or the pattern of increase of PSA levels each year or each determination which is far more important in prognostication. In your husbands' case, PSA levels should be monitored and prostate biopsy may be indicated given that a nodule has been palpated. Ultrasound guided needle biopsy may be the diagnostic procedure of choice here. A prostatic nodule may suggest a chance for cancerous growth however, a biopsy is definitive.

[fafswp]

thank you for the information.   I am very concerned and his urologist appointment is tomorrow.  His psa has always been within normal limits.  He is retired military (seen at the local military base) and was examined by a PA, who noticed the small nodule, he'd had an exam last year and no nodule was noted.  I'm always concerned about the lack of continuity of care...he never seems to see the same person.  I guess we'll know more tomorrow.  What other conditions can cause a nodule?  Can prostatitis cause a nodule?