prostate cancer psa level

prostate cancer psa level questions and answers

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Q: in treating prostate cancer does lupron cause psa level to decrease?


A: I had prostate cancer in 2005 and was given lupron to start with. It does not treat or cure your cancer. It only puts the cancer on hold for a while some times up to ten years... It is not a cure.. I do not recall if my psa went down though. I had proton radiation at loma linda university medical center in loma linda california.. Proton radiation has a 90 % cure rate and no side effects.. In my opinion it is the very best treatment for prostate cancer.. If you want to know more about it... there is a website called Proton Bob that tells about prostate cancer and proton radiation.. it is very different from conventional radiation. Also there is a book just recently out that would be helpful id think.. it is called YOU CAN BEAT PROSTATE CANCER and was written by Robert J. Marckini, a prostate cancer survivor.. the book is great it tells all about prostate cancer, then tells about all of the various treatment options as well as the pros and cons of each type treatment and the side effects... The book can be purchased at Barnes and Noble and other book stores or on line at the Proton Bob website.. I know I didnt answer your question, but maybe some of this will be helpful..

Q: If someone has a 6.1 PSA, is that a high level risk for prostate cancer?
My father, 50 years old, has a 6.1 PSA and wants to know whether it's risky at the moment. What can he do to stop that number from increasing?

A: I would say it is the watchful range. I would suggest getting another PSA done in 30-45 days to see if there is any change. They say eating a low fat diet, mainly eliminating dairy products is good. Taking Vitamin D3 has been found to help prostate cancer & the supplement Saw Palmetto can help shrink the prostate gland. The only other thing I can add is if possible to try & buy hormone free milk (Horizon is a good brand) & hormone free eggs( Eggland Best are good). Prostate Cancer is a hormone driven cancer(Testosterone) & the more hormonal influences he can cut out of his diet, the better off he will be. Meat also has alot of hormones injected into it by the cattle farmers, if possible grass fed, hormone-free meat is best to eat for the least side effects.Hope this helps! Good luck!

Q: Does a PSA level of 6000 definitely mean prostate cancer?


A: PSA stands for prostate specific antigen; that means that no other part of the body should make PSA, only the prostate. That's why it's used as a screening test for prostate cancer, which is the first thing that needs to be looked into. Until you have been seen and evaluated by a urologist, one can hope but I agree you need to see a doctor about diagnosis and if necessary a workup as soon as possible. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

Q: DOES A LOW PSA LEVEL (BELOW 4) MEAN THAT PROSTATE CANCER HAS PROBABLY NOT SPREAD FROM THE PROSTATE?


A: depends, it could have been higher and spread before it was tested at 4..or it might always have been at that level and stayed in th prostate. You can't be completly sure, there would have to be other tests to find out.

Q: If someone is diagnosed with prostate cancer, could the PSA levels go down even without treatment?


A: Yes, PSA can be affected by a lot of matters even without formal "treatment" with drugs, though we are not always immediately aware of what's causing the change. I remember one in-progress study when I worked in a research center involved eating boiled broccoli! Nevertheless, PSA needs to be watched very closely.

Q: Question about prostate cancer?
My father has recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer. His PSA level was 6 which is why he had a biopsy done. The 1st Dr. (less experienced) said that his gleason score was 6. He had the slides reviewed by a 2nd Dr. that said his score was actually an 8. Now they want to run tests to see if the cancer has spread to his lymph nodes or bones. My father is only 53 and has always been in good shape (not that cancer cares). The Dr. said that he has a relatively small prostate. Does anyone know what the chances are of the cancer having spread and what treatment options are. I'm just scared and confused and want everything to be OK. My 2 children love their grandfather as well as myself and I just can't believe that this is happening. Anyone in similar situations? What was the outcome?

A: My father has it as well (61) and he too is in excellent shape (like you said, like cancer cares), my only advise is to understand all options and be aggressive...... there are a lot of option and this cancer is treatable....... best of luck to you and your family...

Q: PSA level of 4.01 in 34 year old, could it be Prostate Cancer?
Hi, I am a healthy 34 year old healthy male. Recently had my annual physical done. First time my PSA was measured. The results show that my Total PSA is 4.01 and Free PSA is 9.7%. The doc told me that based on the DRE the prostate appeared to be normal. Right now he has asked me to take Cipro for 2 weeks and get retested in 4 weeks again. My urine analysis showed that there was no infection. I am very anxious and finding it hard to get through the waiting time. Is there anybody out there who had a PSA of 4.01 in their 30's and did it come down after taking CIPRO for 2 weeks. Also I took the PSA test almost 15 hrs after the DRE was done. I read that DRE artifically raises the PSA levels, does anybody know how much it raises it by? I am hoping my PSA will come down. Thanks Alkaline Phosphate test was done and it showed the result as 39. The normal value apparently is between 50-136 I am now experiencing regular urges to go pee. and I am peeing in small quantities, but it doesnt hurt or burn. when I run, I can feel some discomfort in my testicular region and tummy, dont know what to make out of these, perhaps a side effect of Cipro? Really beginning to wonder where all this will lead to, any thoughts?

A: before you get all bent out of shape, go to a uroligist. he will no doubt do a digital exam, they like to do that, and i would recomend a biopsy of the prostate tissue. i was 4.01 with a gleason scale of 8. you are not too young to have this problem but taken care of early will help in the long run. yes, run dont walk to a uroligist. willnotgiveup

Q: How do I lower my testosterone level to slow the growth of prostate cancer?
I presently have prostate cancer and have been treated with 120 radio active iodine seeds imbedded in my prostate gland. I do not want to follw up with hormone therapy but want to lower my testosterone level via vitamins or herb therpy. My PSA after the seed procedure was at 1.29 but a year and a half later has risen to 1.78.

A: If you really want to avoid the therapy - then I would see a naturopath - don't screw around with remedies you read on the web. This is your life you're talking about. I am all for homeopathic, herbal and naturopathic remedies, but most of them I talk to (who are any good) believe that combination therapy is a good thing. You might be able to follow up with hormone therapy - but take something homeopathic or naturopathic to help with the side effects or to help cleanse your body (just make sure it doesn't interact with your therapy) Some herbs and remedies can actually counteract certain treatments - so see a professional. I know - seeing a classical homeopath can work wonders. My sister shrank her cancerous tumour in her breast (before surgery) to a third of its size - through one dose of a remedy. I used a homeopathic vet for my cat too - and her tumour went down to next to nothing as well. But remember - they all help each other. Good luck.

Q: Slightly elevated PSA level?
Please help me. I recently has some symptoms of prostate problem (frequent urination). I had a PSA test and the result was slightly elevated at 2.7 while the cut off was 2.5 (new range as of 11/16/07). My MD ask me to retake the test in 2 weeks. I am only 36 but I had a PSA test earlier this year and it was 1.9 while the cut off was 4.0. It's been a week since the symptoms started, but it seemed better last night (I hope that it's not too early to say). Do you know if those symptoms can go away on their own? I am worrying so much about prostate cancer. Do my PSA level cause a concern? Please help me. Thank you.

A: I have a raised and steady level that was increasing upto 19.2. My age of 58 it should be less then 0.5. I was preferred to an urologist. She (yes a women) performed many tests that can cause increase of your PSA regardless of cancer or not. I was tested for the testicles, bladder, kidneys, and prostate that could increase the PSA. The testicles were an ultra-sound. The kidneys was x-ray filling them up with Iodine. The bladder had a camera up inside my urethra and got see it on a monitor. The prostate got biopsies of 4 so far in 3 years. They put you on your side and insert a probe in the anus and a needle goes in about 12 times in your prostate. It does not hurt at all and I get filled up to numb it. Since my PSA has decreased to almost 6. So far no cancer and I will have to have a blood test often to be sure the PSA is checked. Earlier after 50, had an enlarged prostate and then having urenary problems, including urge contentices. I am ok now though. You can ask me in more detail if you want.

Q: Men over 40. Are you getting your prostate gland checked with the finger test from the doctor and PSA level?
Many men put this test off to check the prostate for cancer and enlargement. It's important also to get the PSA blood test. Men are embarrassed sometimes, but woman get their PAP smears done.

A: Yes

Q: Can rising PSA levels be caused by something besides cancer cells in the prostate?


A: Hi, Yes, PSA levels can rise in other conditions, such as, BPH and prostatitis. Levels greater than 10 are more suggestive of cancer. Of course, your physician would be the one needed to rule out cancer or other reasons for the PSA being elevated. Hope this helps. Nate Clinical Lab Scientist

Q: Stage 4 prostate cancer..?
My dad, age 52, was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer on Friday. His PSA level is 256. The cancer has spread to his lower spine, neck and one lung. The tumor in his neck is pinching nerves and he is losing feeling in his hand, so they are starting radiation on Wed. to try to make it smaller so that he will hopefully have full arm function for a little bit longer. Other than that he is just on hormone therapy. The oncologist has said that there's nothing that they can do for him but make him comfortable. I have not been able to find anything anywhere on the internet about anyone who's had a PSA level of 256. Even the oncologists and radiologists are shocked about it. I am wondering what we can expect and maybe about how long we could expect that he'll still be with us. What will start happening? He hasn't shown any outward symptoms yet, except for a lot of back, neck and arm pain. The oncologist has said that his cancer is extremely aggressive, though, and things will go very fast. I am just so lost and confused and sad. What can we expect now and what should we do for him. Thanks.

A: I'm really sorry to hear about your Dad. I do want to tell you to not give up hope! My husband was diagnosed with Stage iv cancer that spread to his lungs. Chemo and radiation did not help. I started researching alternative medicine cures and found a wealth of information. He has been on a special supplement program and diet and is well and happy now (3 years later). Someone (possible you) needs to get proactive and start finding out what alternative medicine possibilities there are.

Q: my grandpa has had prostate cancer 4 19 yrs and now his psa scores r going up from 7 to 27.8 wat does tis mean
his psa level has stayed about the same for the last 19 yrs but go up a point or so then back down. well now in 3 months it went up 20 points. should we be alarmed about this? cause i know i am. he has no prostate but he has a tumor still there. he takes meds and also gets a shot, i think it is female hormones its supposed to slow the prosces down but it isnt helping can u please help me. hes 80yrs old. i just need to know if this is bad or wat, and if anyone thinks it can kill him soon. plese somene resond to this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A: From what you are saying it appears the cancer is no longer or having little response to hormone therapy. However, you should know there can often be a rise in the PSA several years before spread of the disease is evident. This is reason to be concerned but not alarmed and it is unlikely he will die anytime soon because of it.

Q: My father's PSA levels are 9. Could he have prostate cancer?


A: Not Yet, PSA result is one of the many test doctors can perform, my dad had a PSA above 10 when tested; however, medication, and hormone injection he was taking apparently was the culprit, once he stopped the injection and medication PSA back to 2. High PSA also indicates that there is more activity in prostate which sometimes signify cancer. The worst case, not too worry, people over 50 and above has up to 75% up chance(increase with age) to be diagnosed with Prostate cancer, however, mortality rate is less than 25%. (Sources are article I read)

Q: Medical questions regarding PSA level and getting life insurance.?
I'm a life insurance agent and have an applicant who has an elevated PSA level of 8. He has had 3 biopsies in the last 3 yrs, all indicating no cancer, yet he was declined due to the elevation. When I spoke with an underwriter at one of the insurance companies I'm affiliated with, I was told to have the applicant go on "the medication that lowers PSA levels", get a declaration of good health from his urologist, resubmit his application in 3 months when his PSA level has returned to a normal range (around 4), and then have the applicant stop taking the medication if he so desired. When I spoke with the applicant he informed me that there is no medication that lowers PSA levels or his urologist would have recommended it to him by now because he's had an elevated PSA for 10 yrs, yet had no cancer. My questions are... 1.) Is there a prescribed medication proven to lower PSA levels?** 2.) Is the recommendation made by the underwriter ethical or even informed? 3.) Would any urologist in his right mind submit a declaration of good health when prostrate cancer is involved considering the inconsistencies between an elevated PSA and prostate cancer. By inconsistencies I mean many men have elevated PSA's but never get cancer and many men have PSA's in the "normal" range and do develop it. **Please do not take this opportunity to post your "all natural supplement" website w/100's of quotes about how well it worked for other people. I'm looking for an actual prescription medication that doctors prescribe to lower a man's PSA level. Opinions on the underwriter's recommendation are welcome.

A: I'm an agent who mostly does group and a former pharmacy techinician. I have never heard of it. But the person I would ask is your local pharmacist. They are actually much more up to date on drugs, since that is all they do. Not sure who the underwriter is (or what company), but I would send him an email with the clients response and ask him what drug he is looking for. I think it is ethical, because he is at least giving you some options. The UW is looking at a chart that says what he has to do to approve the claim. If the chart is telling him he needs X, Y and Z, that is what he has to have.