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Prostate Cancer
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Posted 10/22/2012 4:29 PM (GMT -5)
Just got back from Uro appontment. PSA at 5.68, fluctuates all over the place but 2 negative biopsies. I have been asked on previous posts about a PCA3 test and I did not think it was availabe in Canada. The Uro brought it up today. Apparently the test is sent to Montreal Quebec and is only available there. He said with 2 negative biopsies and a PSA that is fluctuating and not steadily climbing he was reluctant to do a third biopsy based on the law of diminished returns. He has suggested another PSA in Jamuary, I am also due for a DRE then and if the PSA climbs and neative DRE then he thinks I should do the PCA3 test at that time.  It costs $400 which I am not concerned about.

My question is this, is that the silver bullet. If the test comes back favourable am I all done with this? If it comes back unfavourable is cancer definite?

He also mentioned that we should discuss an MRI then as well. Would you do that with a PCA3 or after you get the results?

Thanks all......Greg

Posted 10/22/2012 8:14 PM (GMT -5)
I had both the MRI and the PCA3 done prior to the Bx. MRI showed a suspicious spot but no cancer found at that spot. PCA was at 29, the lab labeled it positive, interpret with caution. I also did the Color Doppler UL during my Bx. CDUL showed no suspicios area. My Bx results, 3 out of 14 positive. Uro said the cancer was too small to be detected by the CDUL.

I would definitvely do the PCA3 because your Bxs were negative. If PCA3 is clearly low then you may not have PCa afterall. No test is certain, even Bx can miss cancer cell. Others have tried saturated biopsies where more samples are taken. Have you had Free PSA?

You should have both Free PSA and PCA3 ASAP, they are just more tools to help you decide when and if you should have another Bx.
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