PSA level 6.9

[toolman121052]

I am a 59 year old male in good physical shape and health. Recently I was told by my community healh dept that I have a PSA of 6.9. They recommend seeing an Urologist. I have limited funds and like many Americans are without insurance. I was self employed most of my life. I am concerned as I have all the urinary symtoms and cannot have sex as the head of my penis hurts. I am very concerned. I have just finished a round of Cipro for 28 days and before that Batrim. Help! I'm very concerned. I could use some guidance in what I should do. I'm concerned it's cancer but have no money to see a specialist! toolman121052

[Toton23]

My grandfather has PSA 6.9, he is 87 year old.Now he holds catheter so he can pee.Can anybody suggest me what kind a decision to make?The doctor says to do a Cistoscopy or Biopsy.I dont know which is the right choose.Realising that grandfather have 87 years old.

[DanMcDoctor]

Saw palmetto!.. google it!

[curmudgen]

The gray zone just got bigger with the new report out that down plays the role of routine PSA testing.   I'll still play it safe and get mine done yearly to make sure it doesn't suddenly double or triple in a year.  I'll bet the urologists are going to be loosing money in the future.. fewer biopsies/prostatectomies.  

[curmudgen]

There is a great book that was published recently by "experts" in the field of Prostate Cancer....  the title begins with - ."The Invasion of the Prostate snatchers..."   A must read for all with a prostate gland.

[curmudgen]

I agree with previous post - see doc for a rectal - and schedule a PSA for 6 month follow up....  there is that gray zone of PSA readings 4-10 where one doesn't really know what is the best procedure - wait or biopsy.  There is a wealth of information on the internet -

[Kaneda2112]

I'd start with a GP before going to see a specialist to get more information.

Any GP should be able to do a digital rectal exam and feel your prostate to see if it's soft/boggy or enlarged. That should give you more information.

From the National Cancer Institute -

It is normal for men to have a low level of PSA in their blood; however, prostate cancer or benign (not cancerous) conditions can increase a man’s PSA level. As men age, both benign prostate conditions and prostate cancer become more common. The most frequent benign prostate conditions are prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (enlargement of the prostate). There is no evidence that prostatitis or BPH causes cancer, but it is possible for a man to have one or both of these conditions and to develop prostate cancer as well.

A man’s PSA level alone does not give doctors enough information to distinguish between benign prostate conditions and cancer. However, the doctor will take the result of the PSA test into account when deciding whether to check further for signs of prostate cancer.