Prostate Cancer QA
FAQ Prostate Cancer » Prostate Cancer QA » psa test

psa test

For more information about: psa test visit the prostate cancer site CheckTheProstate.com today.

Q: PSA test result is 5, is it already spread around the body yet?
My dad’s PSA test came back as 5, and the doctor said there may be a chance of Prostate cancer..
At PSA number 5, is there a chance that it has already spread into the body, or is it still in the prostate area?

Thanks.
He is 56 years old.
His PSA score increased more than 0.75 ng in a time span of 12 months.
The doctor says that, that is a indicator of cancer.

A: With a PSA of 5 there is a good chance he doesn’t even have cancer. It is not possible to diagnose cancer by a PSA result alone and it is also impossible to know the extent of the disease by a PSA alone. It is only a tumor marker and was never intended to be used to diagnose cancer.

The doctor did tell you there is a “chance” of prostate cancer. You should believe him.

UPDATE: Yes it is an indicator, but not a diagnosis. At this point IF he does have prostate cancer the chance it is beyond the prostate is minuscule. Typically prostate cancer is very slow growing and it is not uncommon to see a man with this disease for 15-20 years.

Q: Will benedryl effect the results of a PSA test ?
I went for a PSA test and the results came back higher than normal, the night before I took two benedryl cold tablets would this effect the results ?

A: It should have no affect on your results.

Q: Are PSA test results available immediately?
My grandfather is having PSA test (Prostate-Specific Antigen) today. Will his results be available immediately or will we have to wait several days?

A: He’ll have to wait.

Just fyi, most elderly men that get prostate cancer, its an incredibly slow growing variety that might not even need treatment. Its the 50 year old men that get it that are in real danger.

Good luck!

Q: What is the reliability of the PSA test to determine the presence of prostrate cancer?
Initial blood test showed a level of 7.0. After a month of antibiotics the level was down to 5.2. Following yet another month of antibiotics it was up to 7.2.
Is this a true case of cancer or just a stubborn infection which doesn’t want to die off? The urologist seems to be in WAY too much of a hurry to to the needle biopsy of the prostrate.
Speaking of which, what are the potential complications attached to a needle biopsy of the prostrate?

A: A PSA is a very reputable test for prostate cancer. Te lower the number the better. My Uncle started with 28 and with chemotherapy and Lupron shots, he is now down to 1.2

Q: Would have sex a day before your PSA test raise or lower the PSA score?
I don’t think anyone under sixty would be too interested in this question or answer. I guess my question is this: Is there a method to “fool” the prostate specific antigen test?.

A: PSA testing within 24 hours after ejaculation may lead to an erroneous interpretation of the results of both total and percent free PSA measurements

Q: Can anyone explain the significance of the PSA test in someone who had his prostate removed because of cancer?
He had cancer of the prostate that had metast. into part of the rectum and underwent surgery in December, they removed “all of it” (the prostate and part of rectum) and gave him a colostomy and now are talking about some sort of hormone therapy because his PSA is still high. If he has no Prostate what is the significance of the PSA test???

A: The PSA is the reading of the fluids in the prostate. If there is a PSA and the prostate has been removed, there is cancer somewhere in the body

Q: could someone explain what the numbers on the psa test means?
husbands count is 8.5, we do not and cannot find out exactly what the numbers mean and how they relate to prostate problems. all I can find are % numbers which tell me nothing.

A: It is best to ask your doctor exactly what your husband’s results mean. What is elevated for one person may be normal for another. The best indicator is looking at numbers over a period of time rather than just 1 test.

The PSA level that is considered normal for an average man ranges from 0 to 4 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml). A PSA level of 4 to 10 ng/ml is considered slightly elevated; levels between 10 and 20 ng/ml are considered moderately elevated; and anything greater is considered highly elevated.

The site below will give you further info..

Q: What causes PSA test numbers to rise when testing a mans prostate?

A: If you are given the rectal exam first and then the PSA, your score will jump considerably. Always have the blood drawn first, and the the rectal digital exam. Sometimes if the score is high, it is better to do it again a week later.

Q: the coralation between a PSA test and a Free PSA test?
I had 2 PSA tests, the second was the highest @ 9.4. The urologist put me on Cipro and retested 6 weeks later. The PSA went down to 3.2, but the Free PSA is at 10%, not good. The lowering of the psa and the low free psa test seem to be contradictory. Does this seem right and what might it mean? I am scheduled for an ultrasound and a biopsy now.

A: PSA testing is very controversial, because both cancer and benign conditions can cause increased levels. Free PSA is sometimes used to try to distinguish between these.

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Detection/PSA

“PSA circulates in the blood in two forms: free or attached to a protein molecule. With benign prostate conditions, there is more free PSA, while cancer produces more of the attached form.”

The safest thing is to have the ultrasound and the biopsy.

Q: what is psa test? DRS, PLEASE HELP US TO KNOW ABOUT THE CAUSES AND TREATMENT?
my father had taken a psa test. that report says that “INCREASED IN PROSTATIVE CANCER BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERTROPHY AND INFLAMATION OF THER ADAJECENT GENITOURINARY TISSUES.
IMPRESSION: FEATERE SUGGESTIVE HEPERTROPHY
INCREASED POSTVOID RESIDUAL URINE ENLARGED 4.19X4.18X3.38CM

A: Please talk to your doctor for an explanation, but this is what I get from your question:

PSA test results should be below 4.0. A single result is not as meaningful as a series of results compared to a base-line value. Generally the PSA results will get higher with age and as the prostate gland enlarges and is not diagnostic of prostate cancer. That is what the first part of the results are telling you.
The second part is the ultra-sound results telling you the prostate is enlarged and the size of it and complete emptying of the bladder doesn’t happen. I’m sure the examining dr. did a digital rectal exam to determine the texture of the prostate.
It seems to me this is not a bad result and medication might be all that’s needed to relieve urinary symptoms like needing to pee often, hard to pee etc.

Q: Does Gilberts Disease affect PSA test scores?
I’ve been to several doctors and have had several biopsies, but always no cancer. They’ve put me on antibotics for some kind of infection, but have never really found the problem. Could Gilberts disease affect elevated PSA test scores? I was diagnosed with this disease back in 2001.
pogacsnik@verizon.net

A: http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/1913197?ref=W_Ask&utm_source=Ask yes it does

Q: Is total PSA test sure answer to ascertain prostate cancer?
Doest the test of total prostate antegen total give correct picture of having psotate cancer?

A: The PSA test is a good indicator, but it is not the complete answer.

Q: PSA TEST was slightly high. SHOULD I WORRY?
I am 55 and my PSA test was slightly high. 5. I read where 0-4 is normal. I also read that this test is highly unreliable and that false positives happen all the time. I have scheduled another PSA test in 6 weeks. But I am worried. I know if the second one is the same or higher, I will have to get a biopsy. Has anyone else had an elevated PSA and had no problems such as cancer or benign tumors?

A: There can be different reasons for an elevated PSA level, including prostate cancer, benign prostate enlargement, inflammation, infection, age, and race. It is easy for me to sit here and say don’t worry about it but I am going to tell you that the outcome will not be any different if you do. You and your doctor are doing everything per protocol and unfortunately the waiting is the toughest part. The great news is, you had the test and found the abnormality. If it is something serious, more than likely you have caught it time and can do something about it. My brother was diagnosed with this 4 yrs ago. He had to have surgery to remove the cancer, BUT he is alive and well now. I hope everything goes well for you.
If you need surgery, please be very selective with the surgeon and one who is very proficient in laser prostatectomies.

Q: Can I have sex before a PSA test?
I’m having some blood drawn tomorrow for PSA levels in my blood. Does having sex the night before influence PSA levels?

A: I had heard they want you to refrain from sex/masturbation for at least two days before (longer, if you can muster it)

Q: Men over 40. Are you getting your prostate gland checked with the finger test from the doctor and PSA level?
Many men put this test off to check the prostate for cancer and enlargement. It’s important also to get the PSA blood test. Men are embarrassed sometimes, but woman get their PAP smears done.

A: Yes

Related Posts

Write a comment