Prostate Cancer Signs

Dr. Stamey, pioneer of PSA, says, . . . that PSA now predicts only 2 percent of cancers, Urology, 2004. Biopsies underestimate cancer in 64.6% of men under age 65 The Journal of Urology, 2005 Antioxidant therapies arrest 80% of prostate cancer, reports International Society of Endovascular Therapy, 2007 – Routine biopsies miss up to 78 percent of cancer, discussed at New York Roentgen Conference, 2005. . unproven screening test, the PSA blood test for prostate cancer. Journal of American College of Radiology, 2005 New non invasive treatments reduce impotence and incontinence Prostate Cancer Research Institute, 2005 image guidance with MRI or ultrasound allows precise ablation of lesions of any shape without damage to surrounding structures Radiology 2005 3% of prostate cancer is lethal.sonograms can determine aggression. NY Cancer Society, 2005

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My brother just recently got his blood test back from his PSA and it was at 50. Last year it was 4. I know that this is not good. Really what does it mean??Thanks for all info…I appreciate it!

It means that he really needs to follow up with his doc! PSA stands for Prostate Specific Antigen……and elevated PSA "could" indicate prostrate cancer……..please note COULD! Definitely needs to follow up on this though!

Other than the PSA test which I am familiar with, does anyone know if there is any particular Blood Tests that can be run to give an indication the Cancer is present if any of a number of Organs or Body Systems or other tissue?

Please advise!

Thanks!

Only a biopsy can definitively provide a cancer diagnosis.

Some blood tests can be used as indicators. These are done by looking for levels of antigens specific to the cancer.

CEA – carcinoembryonic antigen for colon and other cancers
PSA – prostate specific antigen for prostate cancer

Abnormal blood counts can be an indicator for leukemia or other cancer.

Abnormal levels of certain chemicals can be used as an indicator for further investigation too.

July is PSA awareness month. Men over 40 need to have a simple blood test. PSA levels that are high or that change drastically can be a warning indicator of prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is easily treatable IF caught early!!!

This info is incredibly important. Absolutely have a PSA test done if you are over 40, and repeat the test every year from then on. If it rises significantly, like a half point or more, repeat the test and if the increase persists, discuss with your physician about having a biopsy. If you catch prostate cancer early, it if very treatable. If you catch it late, it can kill you. Enough said.

July is PSA awareness month. Men over 40 need to have a simple blood test. PSA levels that are high or that change drastically can be a warning indicator of prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is easily treatable IF caught early!!!

How depressing. Over 40, single, unattractive, depressed, and you want me to LIVE? Alas, I get a physical every year. Thanks for the reminder. I’ll skip it now.

Male. 54 years of age. Showing signs of some sort of infection in the urinary area. Usual prostate symptoms. No cut and pastes thank you, I can do that myself. Personal experiences preferred and options.

A PSA above 10 increases your chance of cancer greatly. You already know your level,so I’m sure that your doctor has explained the prognosis and treatment. If not, I personally would find another doctor.

Your level is very high and you need to be treated at once.

Paramedic in SC

Is it easy to find.?? What are its main advantages??. I read about it a lot but fail to recall the specific name of this blood test. I appreciate your help sincerely. Please inform me.

There are other PSA tests like the ultrasensitve PSA, and PSA free and total. These tests measure down to the hundredths the level of the antigen. Have you asked your doctor?

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 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

I just had a physical, including blood work. They told me I need to go back to retake my PSA test. Why? And do I need to fast again for 12 hours?

Greg, I have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and treated for it. The test you are referring to is a PSA which is useful in calling for further investigation of the possibility of cancer. It is not the end all as far as tests go but mine was repeated several times to get consistent readings. I believe I did have to fast before each. If the PSA results indicate a suspicious number, then in my case a biopsy was done to confirm the diagnosis of cancer. The biopsy was uncomfortable, a tad embarrassing but otherwise not excessively painful – I felt a little pin prick or "pinch" as the doc took three or four samples. In your case, maybe they just screwed up the PSA portion of your exam and need to do it over. They can’t get accurate readings without the fasting. It’s important Greg, so go get it over with and best wishes for a "no sign of cancer" result.

MY DAD HAD A BLOOD TEST AND URINE SCREENING. IN THE RESULTS, THE PSA IS 1.03. THE REFERENCE VALUES ARE 0-4.0. WHAT IS PSA? IS MY DAD’S PSA NORMAL?

psa is an abbrevation for prostatic specific antigen.;..used for screening in combination with a digital rectal exam to check for prostate cancer….your dad’s lab results are great,no need to worry…
psa is a blood test which detects the antigen secreted by the prostate…elevations/mild are not always cancer as it can be inflammation…etc

He had a blood test that showed a PSA level of 87!! The MRI showed the cancer is in the surrounding Lymph tissue but the bone scan was clear. He has been given hormone treatment and told surgery is not possible and has an appt to see radiotherapy dept. Has anyone got any experience of this especially with such a high PSA result?

A PSA of 87actually isn’t a horrible number for someone who has just been diagnosed. Radiation, horemonal treatment, and possibly chemotherapy will definitley help him out. Prostate cancer, especially when caught this early, doesn’t have to be a death sentence.

It does require a lot of attention, though. Following the treatment schedule is very important. Follow up is crucial. Routine exams, labs, etc.

I hope he does well. What he needs right now is your support. Not your worry.

Usually you need a doctor to have such tests. Sometimes health fairs can bypass it in another manner.

I don’t think so; doesn’t seem like something they would have at a health fair. Wouldn’t hurt to ask.

Following hormone therapy, the PSA may still increase. Managing this situation is very controversial. Learn about the various options and how to decide what to do.

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My Dr. ordered one, however I read the American Cancer Society doesn’t recomend them as false positives can occur. Should I skip it and just get the prostate exam with the tube looking for polyps? Is there a point to doing this as I also read if u have a polyp and it’s malignant treating the cancer can habe other serious side effects. Wouldn’t the side effects be better than potentially fatal cancer?

I think you are confused a little regarding the polyps and prostate cancer. Polyps are found in the intestines which we detect by doing a colonoscopy (exam with tubes as you say).
PSA (Prostatic specific antigen) is done to detect presence of cancer in the prostate which is out side the intestines and cannot be detected by colonoscopy. The only way see the prostate is to do an Ultra sound exam or CT scan to know the size or any suspicious looking part in the Prostate. But still doing a PSA is wise as if it is high then further tests could be undertaken to confirm the result. Most preliminary tests have false positives but it is nevertheless done for early detection of diseases. Early detection and treatment can sometimes cure diseases like cancer. So definitely do it if your doctor has recommended it and follow it up if there is anything abnormal.

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.

Yes

My husband recently told me for the past year he’s been having trouble peeing – It wouldn’t start when he felt he had to go and once it did begin, it hurt. I asked him hurt how? and he said kind of like peeing razor blades. His dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2006, and the doctor instructed my husband to get checked when he turned 30 because this could be hereditary. Also, he’s currently experiencing a lot of pain in his scrotal area – The right side was swollen last night when he got home from work, and he said he felt like he had pulled a groin muscle (was almost limping) – Is it possible it could be cancer? Or are we over paranoid?

What you have described are, generally speaking, signs of either infection, precancerous growth or cancer. There is simply no way to tell without having a PSA test. If you do have the PSA test and discover that it is cancer, there are treatment modalities that make prostate cancer one of the most "curable cancers", if found early. There are also changes you can make to your diet to increase the odds n your favor, such as eating hot peppers and broccoli. Two university studies have found that hot peppers apparently cause prostate cancer cells to"suicide themselves". At any rate, please have him tested asap so that he can decide on the best course of treatment and recovery, if in fact the tests find cancer.

Prostate Specific Antigen (Test) Standardization: What You Should Know

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There will be nearly 200,000 new cases of prostate cancer diagnosed this year in the United States. This is a cancer that can be overcome if men make the effort to have a yearly physical and their PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) blood tested by their primary health care provider. In his book, Nathan relates how unexpectedly he was confronted with the possibility and eventual reality of prostate cancer through a sudden PSA elevation in what appeared to be a routine yearly checkup. He takes you with him through his psychological and spiritual experiences leading to the diagnosis, decision-making and ultimate treatment choice. He then allows you into the very core of his recovery beginning from day one following surgery. This is a book for men and couples whom would like to hear from a layperson what it is like to face prostate cancer head on. A no-holds-barred revelation, it will give comfort and encouragement to those who face this challenge as Nathan graphically relates “Things they may forget to tell you.” The book offers first hand commentary on the anxieties, expectations and realities from someone who has already been where you may be going. Finally, Nathan relates his relentless and lengthy effort to regain his sexual potency as he searches for the elusive erection.

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http://www.iHealthTube.com

Dr. Aaron Katz details what a Prostate Specific Antigen, or PSA, test and why it’s important for men to take. Visit www.ihealthtube.com

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Normal PSA would ne less than 4.0.

i have seen patients with psa exceeding 15,000

http://www.hairtx.com

DALLAS HAIR RESTORATION SURGEON, DR. SAMUEL LAM, DISCUSSES FINASTERIDE AND THE RISK OF PROSTATE CANCER AS WELL AS THE EFFECT ON YOUR PSA (PROSTATE SPECIFIC ANTIGEN) BASED ON 2005 AND 2008 STUDY RESULTS.

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It is usually a sign of something wrong with your prostate, you need to go to your doctor so he can do more test to firgue it out. Good Luck

http://prostate-cancer-symptoms.info

Symptoms of prostate cancer may include the following: urinary problems, such as not being able to urinate, having a hard time starting or stopping the flow of urine, needing to urinate often, especially at night, weak flow of urine, urine flow that starts and stops, pain or burning during urination, difficulty having an erection, blood in the urine or semen, and/or frequent pain in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs. Prostate cancer usually does not cause symptoms in the beginning stages. By the time symptoms do occur, the disease may have spread beyond the prostate.

The “Prostate Cancer Treatment” report includes a review of possible signs and symptoms (such as weak flow of urine or painful ejactulation); descriptions of the various tests used for diagnosis (including digital rectal exam and prostate-specific antigen test); an explanation of the various stages of prostate cancer (Stages I, II, III, and IV); an overview of treatment options (including watchful waiting, surgery, and radation therapy); and also includes 10 pages of related medical terminology (to help you understand what your medical provider is talking about.

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“The prostate specific antigen, or PSA, test is a simple blood test used to screen for prostate cancer. It measures the amount of PSA in a mans bloodstream. PSA is a protein produced by the cells of the prostate gland. This measurement, along with other factors, helps your primary care provider determine your relative risk for prostate cancer.

M. D. Anderson recommends that beginning at age 50, men with no family history of prostate cancer should begin annual prostate cancer screening exams. African-American men and men with a family history of prostate cancer should begin annual screening exams at age 45. Both a digital rectal exam and a PSA blood test should be performed.”

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One of the way of reducing PSA is by taking finasteride (proscar).

One thing you should remember before taking this medication is that you need to have a baseline PSA because once the PSA goes down, you can masked the effect or presence of carcinoma.

It is probably wise to get the help of your Urologist.

I went to the doctor and I had a high PSA. He did a biopsy and I don’t have cancer. I don’t have an enlarged or inflamed prostate. He doesn’t think the high PSA and the frequent urination are related. I don’t have a problem starting to urinate and it doesn’t hurt or burn. I just have to go all of the time.
I kept track one day of how many times I urinated and it was 15 times in a 24 hour period. I drink about 36 oz of fluid a day.

Yeah i have the same problem But i have to wear diapers because of the meds. i take for extreme Vertigo I cant tell when i have to pee but i go through about 20 diapers in 24 hours!! So it’s a lot. But I am A nutcase and i am use to wearing diapers so it don’t matter….Wet diaper Raul!!! LOL….did i win….. did i win….. did i win???

assist me in making an informed decision. I am scheduled to have Prostate Cancer Biopsy on 05/24/07. Here is a brief history of events up till now:
Vital statistics and hx are as follows: Age: 38; Sex: Male; Ht: 5′ 5"; Wt: 162 lbs; Father: recently passed away at the age of 73 2ndry Prostate Cancer which got metastasized and as a result he had bone cancer as well; Mother: has diabetes and previously has had benign tumor removed; Older Brother: Healthy; Race: Asian-Indian.
On 04/23/07 blood test done and the results indicated PSA level of 3.5, subsequent to this FreePSA test done on 05/04/07 and PSA level: 3.68. The normal range is 0-2.5. Based on some some chart scoring had a value of 8 indicative that I probably have a 24% chance of having prostate cancer. Visited Urologist on 05/16/07 and DRE was conducted and was normal. Should I wait 8 weeks and have another PSA test or go for Biopsy as suggested by the Urologist? Don’t want to be sliced & diced but also want peace of mind!

The above answer has the right conclusion, although all the facts are wrong.

While PCa at your age is rare, it’s hardly unknown. You have an significantly elevated risk due to the fact that your father had it.

PSA is not an indication of cancerous tissue, it’s produced by both normal and diseased prostate tissue. The absolute number turns out to be fairly meaningless, as "normal" could be anywhere from .5 to 8, mostly depending on the size of your prostate and general health. It’s best to have regular PSA tests, and to keep a chart of your results. A rapid increase in PSA is more concerning than a high absolute number.

Free PSA is the percent of PSA which isn’t attached to protein. If it’s very low, there is a higher chance that your PSA reading is caused by cancer.

A DRE can only detect cancer when it’s extensive enough to be palpable. In parts of Europe, adoption of PSA testing has been slower than in the US, and DRE is still a preferred detection technique. But DRE will miss cancer in it’s earliest, most treatable stage. In the US, the overwhelming majority of men are diagnosed with biopsy following abnormal PSA readings, and never reach the stage of having a positive DRE.

If I were in your place, I would take the biopsy. Although biopsy isn’t the most pleasant experience, it’s the only way to find peace of mind. If it’s negative, I would continue being vigilant, and have PSA tests every six months, charting the results. Given your family history, it pays not to take chances.

What you can expect from the biopsy is a few minutes of discomfort, followed by a month of bleeding. It’s not the worst thing that can happen to you.

I KNOW SOME ONE CLOSE TO ME WHO SAYS HE HAS A BALL LIKE GROWTH DIRECTLY UNDER HIS TESTICLES BUT HE’S SCARED TO GO TO THE HOSPITIAL FOR FEAR OF THE WORST. I ASKED HIM IF HE THINKS IT’S SOMETHING SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED AN HE SAYS HE’S POSITIVE IT’S NOTHING SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED. IF ANYONE KNOWS THE FIRST SIGNS OF PROSTATE CANCER OR THE SYMPTOMS PLEASE LET ME KNOW.

Definately needs to go for a PSA test and then possibly a biopsy. Someone very dear to me was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer on both sides and he had no symptoms at all. They had been watching his PSA’s for about a year and decided to do a biopsy. He still has no symptoms but opted for surgery because it is a silent killer.

http://prostate-cancer-symptoms.info

Prostate cancer usually does not cause symptoms in the beginning stages. By the time symptoms do occur, the disease may have spread beyond the prostate. Symptoms of prostate cancer may include the following: urinary problems, such as not being able to urinate, having a hard time starting or stopping the flow of urine, needing to urinate often, especially at night, weak flow of urine, urine flow that starts and stops, pain or burning during urination, difficulty having an erection, blood in the urine or semen, and/or frequent pain in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs.

The “Prostate Cancer Treatment” report includes a review of possible signs and symptoms (such as weak flow of urine or painful ejactulation); descriptions of the various tests used for diagnosis (including digital rectal exam and prostate-specific antigen test); an explanation of the various stages of prostate cancer (Stages I, II, III, and IV); an overview of treatment options (including watchful waiting, surgery, and radation therapy); and also includes 10 pages of related medical terminology (to help you understand what your medical provider is talking about.

Duration : 0:3:33

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