Bit of a bombshell….what happens next

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. 

I’ll take a look at that document. Thank you 

Did he have any antibiotics whilst in hospital. This can show raised psa levels.

Regards

Gina

Hi Porthleven

Sorry you find yourself here but try not to get too stressed about the PSA result (easy to say, I know). As others have said, it could be caused be a number of things. I'm not a medical professional but my understanding is that pelvic injuries can cause an inflated PSA so it may simply be a result of your husband's accident. Come back and let us know how he gets on.

All the best

Cliff

Hello Porthleven 

A warm welcome to the group from me - although I am so sorry to find you joining us - especially with a husband who has a broken hip.

A day off volunteering duties today but your post caught my eye as I am a firm believer that PSA tests are pretty reliable. Yes, there's a list if reasons for a raised PSA - a UTI, excessive exercise or sexual activity in the previous 48 hours but I think we can rule these out - besides that a normal PSA for someone aged 63 is between 4 and 4.5 - 25 is high.

My personal opinion (and I am not medically trained) is that you need to go back to his GP as he's been discharged from the hospital care and ask why, with that PSA has he not been placed on the 2 week cancer pathway - and if not you need to have his concern noted on his records and the reason why. 

I consider 25 high. It's not in it's self confirmation of Prostate Cancer but if it is, it's high enough to be Stage 3 or even 4.

I think you need to take matters into your own hands tomorrow and advocate to be placed on the 2 week pathway - if I am wrong - at least we will know.

I hope the above helps - please do let us know how you get on.

Best wishes - Brian.

He had a four day course of antibiotics for an unrelated cat bite on the 5-7 January, accident was on the 10th and blood test on the 11th.,

Many thanks. The doctor discharging him said that a four week gap before having another psa would be sensible as the trauma, hospitalisation and surgery, combined with no urination for 12-14 hours post accident could have a negative affect on readings. My surgery is not the most accessible and you are frequently fobbed off unfortunately. I’ll discuss with him tomorrow.