My husband's PSA Level?!
Question: My husband's PSA was 8.5. Prostate size is normal, and consistency is good except "maybe a little harder on the right--not much". The Urologist put him on Cipro for 3 weeks, and he started taking pomgranate pills, fish oil pills (2400mg twice a day) and B6. Three weeks later, his PSA is 7.5. Tell me what you think about this? Should I be happy, or should I still worry?
Answers: My husband's PSA was 8.5. Prostate size is normal, and consistency is good except "maybe a little harder on the right--not much". The Urologist put him on Cipro for 3 weeks, and he started taking pomgranate pills, fish oil pills (2400mg twice a day) and B6. Three weeks later, his PSA is 7.5. Tell me what you think about this? Should I be happy, or should I still worry?
Sometimes a prostate infection can lead to an elevated PSA. If however it hasn't normalized after three weeks of antibiotic therapy and he does have some firmness you may want to ask the physician about the possibility of a biopsy to see if there is any cancerous or precancerous cells. A prostate biopsy isn't really a fun experience for the man... but it's almost better to know for sure... the physician will take a certain number of core samples via the rectum depending on his/her preference. The MD I work for takes 12 samples. These go to the pathologist where they are evaluated. The problem is sometimes the cancer is missed because it's not an entire evaluation of the gland... it would be virtually impossible to get all of the tissue sampled without removing the gland... and that is major surgery. Therefore most docs will continue to evaluate the PSA levels and watch for any upward trends... and may reccomend a repeat biopsy...
Each physician is different in what they believe is the best course of action regarding their patient care. If you really are concerned it's always an option to seek a second opinion... or it may be a better idea to just ask about the biopsy on your next visit.... I'm not sure how old your hubby is but this and his medical history can factor into the docs plan of care....
You should know that PSA levels are a guide only.
Very aggressive prostate cancers can have normal PSA.
Think he should at least get an Ultrasound of prostate.
If was me I would insist.(any disparity in exam should warrant it- like you say "harder on right...").
It's good it's going down, but 7.5 is a little high. He should get a second opinion