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Tony I fully back what Terry wrote. Do not ignore the cancer, but do not let it dominate your life. Do a psa test every six months and have a urologist who understands PCa do a DRE. This way you will have a warning if the cancer is growing. Terry gained 12 years before having to start treatment.
I carry some unease when I read about Tony's situation. His prostate is small like a young mans, he has cancer cells in only 5% of a couple of cores on one side only. Yet his PSA reads 16. What is generating a PSA number that high? I know there is variability amongst men, but seldom this much. Maybe there is something else, like an infection, I have no idea.
There is no substantial data on the normal PSA range that is not associated with PCa.
The highest PSA I have seen reported where no tumour was found was from an Australian who said his patient had a PSA over 300 ng/ml. He was treated with antibiotics and his PSA returned to normal levels. There are many reports of men with PSA levels in the high 80s and 70s responding well to treatment for bladder or prostate infections.
It is very important for everyone to bear in mind that PSA is NOT prostate cancer specific - as this posting states so clearly. Most of the men with elevated PSA levels (at least 65%)do not have PCa on biopsy. The elevated PSA is due to other causes, some identified, others not.
THat could certainly make a difference, Tony. This kind of infection is notoriously difficult to clear up and even if there are no obvious signs, the disease may well be pushing up the PSA.
Suggest you discuss this with your urologist and look for treatment for this before making any decision on PCa treatment.
Just had a psa test and it was 12, down from 13 so I have decided on active survalance, take psa test every 3 months and if it raises too high then i will treat. I believe if I had,nt checked the problem would not have arose till I was ancient as it is its caused me untold stress and loads a money. Thanks for your kind help.
