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PSA of 14- is it cancer

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Posted 8/24/2013 9:23 PM (GMT -5)
My hubby only had a PSA of 4.5 and he did have prostate cancer. My dad's PSA is 14 but his doctor says he'll see him in a year. His PSA number has been going up every year by a couple of points. Can other things cause PSA to rise?
Posted 8/24/2013 9:35 PM (GMT -5)
yes.  PSA could rise for other reasons.  How old is your Dad?

ed

 

Posted 8/24/2013 9:39 PM (GMT -5)
My dad is 77. He has had surgery due to BPH. Continues to be bothered with UTIs.
Posted 8/24/2013 10:12 PM (GMT -5)
UTIs are certainly a problem. Infections can cause PSA to rise, and a round of antibiotics for them is a first step for treatment. BPH increases PSA somewhat as a larger prostate produces more PSA.
Posted 8/24/2013 10:27 PM (GMT -5)
Has your father ever had a prostate biopsy, or has it doctor ever suggested one. While these infections could be the cause of that PSA number, at 14, and steady rising each year, a little surprised the doctor doesn't want to rule out cancer with a biopsy.

David
Posted 8/24/2013 10:30 PM (GMT -5)
Your Dad's primary care doctor probably figures something else will kill your dad before any possible prostate cancer will...Both he and your Dad may know things you do not...

Normally, a PSA of 14 would generate an immediate referral to a Urologist for a more thorough examination....
Posted 8/24/2013 11:08 PM (GMT -5)
He sees an urologist. He has had a biopsy and according to my parents he did not have cancer. He refuses to have another biopsy. My parents are very private and they would never want to worry me. I understand at Dad's age he may not want certain treatments. I can't help but wonder though.
Posted 8/25/2013 12:37 AM (GMT -5)
It is good that he is seeing a urologist. A PSA of 14 is way beyond the norm and the reason for it should be determined. The BPH would certainly elevate it beyond the normal numbers, but not that high. Could be an infection or, of course, could be prostate cancer.

How long ago was his biopsy? If it was some time ago, another one is probably warranted. Also, keep in mind that a standard biopsy only samples about 1/one-thousandth of the prostate. Thus, it is easy for the biopsy needle to miss any tumor(s) that might be present.

Good luck to him!!
Chuck
Posted 8/25/2013 5:19 PM (GMT -5)
If Dad is squeamish about another biopsy and who can blame him, there are a few doctors who use a Color Doppler Ultrasound Machine to perform biopsies if they feel a biopsy is needed. These machines, in expert hands, are far more accurate in detecting and taking a sample of prostate cancer than the standard methods...
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