Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Nagging Back Pain, Headache, Elevated PSA Levels. Prognosis?
my best friend is a 50 year old male, just found out this week that his PSA went from a 4.0 to a 7.0 in less than a year 5 months ago. he just found this out when he called his primary care about this recent nagging back pain and headache. he has yet to see a Urologist . what prognosis would we be looking at?
Thu, 7 Feb 2013
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic
The rate of rise of the PSA is important, it is normally termed PSA velocity.
The urologist may first decide to repeat the test to confirm the result.
In general the faster the rise in PSA the risk of cancer and the risk of an aggressive form of cancer increases. However, it is up to the urologist to determine whether this is even a possibility.
He or she will take a comprehensive history , followed by examination of the prostate. Examination would look at the size and texture of the prostate which is also very important.
He/she may suggest further tests based on the findings. These may include biopsy of the prostate and imaging of the back.
Hope this answers your questions
The rate of rise of the PSA is important, it is normally termed PSA velocity.
The urologist may first decide to repeat the test to confirm the result.
In general the faster the rise in PSA the risk of cancer and the risk of an aggressive form of cancer increases. However, it is up to the urologist to determine whether this is even a possibility.
He or she will take a comprehensive history , followed by examination of the prostate. Examination would look at the size and texture of the prostate which is also very important.
He/she may suggest further tests based on the findings. These may include biopsy of the prostate and imaging of the back.
Hope this answers your questions
I find this answer helpful
4 Doctors agree with this answer
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Biopsy
Loading Online Doctors....