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'Slightly' high PSA level, unsure what it means

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Posted 2/20/2009 5:19 PM (GMT -5)
Hello,

I'm 30 and been seeing doctors the last 4 months or so first with a feeling like I constantly needed to urinate (which lasted a few weeks) and then for the last few months a slight pain in the perineum (sometimes seems to be just on the right side, almost under the ass bone). I was put on a couple of 7 days courses of antibiotics, which didn't seem to do much, but as the pain seemed to come and go in intensity anyway it wasn't easy to tell. I saw another doctor who did a DRE and said the prostate was smooth and thought I might have an infection in the pubis bone, however he also ordered a PSA test to make sure. I went away feeling quite relieved, and the pain subsided in the week or so during which I had the test and waited for the results.

I was expecting to be told nothing to worry about, however when I phoned for the results they said I needed to see a doctor within 24 hours. Feeling rather worried I went in and saw a different doctor, who said that my PSA level was 'slightly' elevated at 1.2 and had me recount my history of symptoms. He then recommended a months course of antibiotics, with a repeat PSA test a few weeks after that.

I'm having trouble finding info about how significant my level of 1.2 is for a 30yr old. It seems like it is above the average level by a decent amount, but most cancer screenings are at higher levels still but usually for older men. As you can imagine am currently feeling quite scared, and having to wait 6 weeks and then not really knowing what a good outcome would be (if i'm still around 1.2 is that bad?) is no fun. Does anyone have any experience with PSA levels of people around my age?
Posted 2/20/2009 5:39 PM (GMT -5)
Hi spooled...man I hate that...when doctors leave a person dangling out there leaving them will all sorts of worries and anxiety.

The PSA count is probably higher than normal for your age...but not that high...and there are so many things that can elevate the PSA, including sex, riding a bike or even performing a DRE before the blood test was taken. The symptoms you demonstrated would fall more in line with being some form of an infection. The antibotics normally will help with the acute infection, but the chronic infection is much more difficult to clear up. Your doctor is giving you good advice at this point with the longer term of antibotics, but man that waiting is something hard to do...waiting for that next PSA test. If it is still elevated after this course, there are several other tests he can do to help narrow down the problem. By the way, some men just produce more PSA in the blood than others and you may just be one of those men.

Take care and keep us informed.
Posted 2/20/2009 5:43 PM (GMT -5)
Hello and welcome here. I did a quick search online, and due to your young age, it was hard to find anything, but I did find a Korean medical report, 1 years old, that showed a "normal" PSA range for your age to be from .775 to 1.7. Very old report, but best I could find in a hurry. Hope you stick around and keep us posted.

David in SC
Posted 2/20/2009 8:23 PM (GMT -5)
Hi spooled....You probably have an infection, which is common....Dont worry about it . Worry doesnt help anything. I have a son your age, and I would definitely tell him not to lose sleep over it. You are young and it is probably nothing. Good luck and come back and let us know....We care.
Diane
Posted 2/20/2009 9:44 PM (GMT -5)
Spooled, just be sure to come back and let us know what ever the outcome. Some people get the good news and dont come back and let us know. Probably is a slight infection I wouldn't be too worried. At any rate you are on it which is great !  Good luck

Posted 2/21/2009 7:15 AM (GMT -5)
Thanks for the replies, am sure I'm just being extra paranoid. I imagine a lot of it is related to the way i was told the results of the test with the 'see me in 24 hours' emphasis which basically meant I spent the 24 hours convinced I already had something pretty darn bad. Either I guess the best thing is to complete the course and try not to think about it too much for the next month or so. Good luck to everyone on here.
Posted 2/21/2009 9:37 AM (GMT -5)
Hi Spooled,

Here is an article from PCRI that has a chart comparing age and PSA score. For your age the range is .19 to 1.3.

http://www.prostate-cancer.org/education/preclin/McDermed_Using_PSA_Intelligently.html

Just copy and paste and you can read the entire article.

Best of luck to you.
Don
Posted 2/21/2009 4:17 PM (GMT -5)
Hi spooled,

I agree with those who say your PSA is in a high normal range and with the pain you are describing that would indicate some sort of infection or inflamation which could elevate it. You are one of those for whom PCA3 is perfect for, it is too early in the process for biopsy but if you did a PCA3 before your next PSA it would give you another puzzle piece. PCA3 is not perfect but if it does indicate cancer then you should consider having a biopsy right away instead of waiting to chart PSA.

Good luck. Scott
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