My husband, an otherwise fit and healthy 63 year old, had a blood test last week whilst in hospital following a nasty fall on ice which resulted in a broken hip. On discharge the doctor advised that his blood test shows a PSA level of 25 which is concerning and that he needs to be retested in four weeks, which he has booked. This has come as a huge shock, he’s very fit, runs 5k regularly, good weight, no familial history of any cancers in parents or siblings, and has not had any symptoms to concern him. Doesn’t take any medications for other issues. Naturally he is very concerned. I’m the one who tends to do the research and I understand this is an extremely supportive place to come for accurate helpful advice and information. Any advice would be appreciated.
There are other reasons for a high PSA. 25 is high, but the journey towards knowing why is similar and there are not any real shortcuts.
He could push to go straight for an MRI rather than wait for a second blood test. A document called getting it right first time has done good information. Full title below.
GIRFT Urology:Towards Better Diagnosis & Management of Suspected ProstateCancer
Hi Porthleven
It's impossible to say what's going on at this stage , an infection can cause a raised PSA .
Most important thing is next PSA , if still high then Def a MRI is needed but the Drs will know that.
So a bit more waiting I'm afraid but hopefully the next one will be lower.
Best wishes
Steve
Firstly you’re in the right place for good advice and lots of support. This is the place for research please don’t ask chatbots or google because everyone’s different and the average man don’t exist. So ask for help here and you’ll get it.
The hip is the most important issue right now as the prostrate cancer might have been there for ages and will not suddenly change just because it’s been found that your dad has a PSA that’s “technically” high.
The PSA at 25 is not able to be taken as a diagnosis of cancer. There are other more important tests such as a biopsy of the prostate or scans of the body and bones. In a few weeks you will know more but the hip will be the number one priority. The scans and biopsy can take a few weeks and the results will be assessed at the multi disciplinary meeting when you’ll eventually get to speak to an oncologist who will explain what they have found and what treatments are available and what the side effects are.
It is a start but please keep asking questions until you are feeling happy with what going on.
Good luck
Thanks for that, thankfully my husband is very pragmatic and is not as much of a worrier as I am, and yes, I’ve been warned about DR Google, from what I’ve read on here there is no standard journey for this possible diagnosis, and the numbers can mean different things for different people. I’m sure I’ll be back.
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