biopsey or not

[fasteddie655]

whether or not to have a biobsey. my psa 2 years ago was 2.5 one year later it went to 4.0
went to a urolygist 6 weeks later psa was 2.3 with a free psa of 32% one year later had
another psa was 3.0 with a free psa of 30% what is going on?

[fasteddie655]

what does the free psa test indicate in my  test or am i wasting money doing a free psa

[Ash Tewari, MD, M.Ch.]

Thank you for your question. As I have said before on this forum, it is often important to look at blood test, imaging, DRE, and other risk factors in a comprehensive way in order to determine an adequate clinical plan. PSA levels can change with age, infections (prostatitis), following DRE (digital rectal exam), BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia), and proliferation of prostate cancer.

It sounds like you have had many PSA exams performed at several different clinics. This can cause variability, since different clinics use may use different labs. A repeat PSA should be performed and and assessment should be performed by your urologist. Known risk factors, such as family history, african american race, etc. should be discussed.

Sincerely,

Ash Tewari, MD