psa prostate cancer test
psa prostate cancer test questions and answers
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Q: For wives of guys over 40. Single guys over 40? Have you nagged your guy to get his psa test lately?
July is PSA awareness month. Men over 40 need to have a simple blood test. PSA levels that are high or that change drastically can be a warning indicator of prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is easily treatable IF caught early!!!
A: How depressing. Over 40, single, unattractive, depressed, and you want me to LIVE? Alas, I get a physical every year. Thanks for the reminder. I'll skip it now.
Q: With a PSA score of 50 i had a biopsy. This showed that no cancer was found.Should i now ignore my problem?
I have regular PSA tests and my numbers remain about the same.I don't seem to have any problems. Am i out of the woods? I Wouldn't like to have a prostate operation anyway or even another biopsy op.Does anyone know the latest thinking on what to do about Prostate problems?
A: Robb is correct. The one problem with the biopsy is that it can miss the cancer. You'll probably have to get a second biopsy. Also do you know what your free psa number is? The lower that number is, the higher the chance of cancer.
Surgery is not the only option, although many doctors make you think it is the best. I had prostate cancer and had seed implants. The therapy is called Brachy Therapy. My PSA is now down to 2.3 and falling.
Do not ignore this. Also important is how old you are. If you are under 55 I would watch it VERY carefully.
Q: Has Anyone Had An Elevated PSA Level And Evrything Ended Up Being Normal?
I had a digital examine at the Urologists and he said my prostate was nice and small. No lumps or enlargements. But my PSA test was elevated to 5.09. I'm 56 years old. He wants me to do another PSA test in 6 weeks. Has anyone had an elevated PSA test and there was no signs of infection or cancer?
A: when your PSA count rises it would indicate that there is something present that it is fighting. but if your prostate is small and shows no sign of infection, another test should be performed. all the physician will do is compare the two test and make a subjective statement on the two findings. I would be happy though that you have a healthy prostate.
Q: Did you know that 1 in 55 women get ovarian cancer(from age 22 on up EVEN AFTER HAVING THEIR OVARIES REMOVED)?
A NOTE FROM AN RN:
I found that the CA-125 test is an ovarian screening test equivalent to a man's PSA test prostate screen (which my husband's doctor automatically gives him in his physical each year and insurance pays for it). I called the general practitioner's office about having the test done. The nurse had never heard of it. She told me that she doubted that insurance would pay for it. So I called --------- Insurance Co, and got the same response. Never heard of it - it won't be covered.
I explained that it was the same as the PSA test they had paid for my husband for years. After conferring with whomever they confer with, she told me that the CA-125 would be covered.
It is $75 in a GP's office and $125 at the GYN's. This is a screening test that should be required just like a PAP smear (a PAP smear cannot detect problems with your ovaries). And insist that your insurance company pay for it.
(ironheart.net/pleaseread.html) for more and post your reply here.
A: yes i knew that.. i already planned on having that test done on the 27th! thanks for getting this info out there!
Q: What does a PSA test mean?
My dad has had this for investigation in to prostate problems. He has been told that the higher the figure on the result, the worse the problem is and it could indicate cancer, but doesn't know what is a high or low figure.
A: The attached link may give you an idea.
Q: July is PSA awareness month. Guys over 40 have you set up your appointment for this year.?
July is PSA awareness month. Men over 40 need to have a simple blood test. PSA levels that are high or that change drastically can be a warning indicator of prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is easily treatable IF caught early!!!
A: This info is incredibly important. Absolutely have a PSA test done if you are over 40, and repeat the test every year from then on. If it rises significantly, like a half point or more, repeat the test and if the increase persists, discuss with your physician about having a biopsy. If you catch prostate cancer early, it if very treatable. If you catch it late, it can kill you. Enough said.
Q: Is a hard prostate necessarily a sign of cancer?
Someone I know went in for checks after a bad urinary tract infection. They were sent for tests for bladder cancer and a bleeding growth was found in the bladder. They also checked his prostate, it didn't hurt and they said it seemed very hard, but made no reference to irregularities or bumps.
A transurethral resection of the bladder was scheduled, and when they went in for the op, whatever the problem had been in the bladder was now gone, so it was written off as relating to the UTI.
However, while they were in they did a transurethral resection of the prostate, and removed a section of it because it had enlarged and was causing lots of pressure on his urethra. They said he had a high PSA level, but he also had a reoccurence of a UTI by this point.
No mention was made then or since of hardness or bumpiness, and we are currently waiting on the test results for it (day 12 of waiting now)
I am really praying it could turn out to be BPH or another problem.
A: It most certainly could be BPH. My father-in-law had a very high PSA at one point and had to undergo 12 prostate biopsies and all came back negative but the wait was terrible. He really only had to wait a day or two but it seemed like an eternity. BPH seems to be very common now days so I wouldn't call it "cancer" yet. Best wishes. Please post the results to the person with the "best answer" so we all will know if your friend is okay. He's in my prayers. : )
Q: Would someone explain the deductible/OOP?
Why apply over the phone? 10 minute enrollment * Instant Approval * Underwriting Advice * ID Cards
Plan Benefit Summary OneDeductible PPO Elite
Monthly Premium 139.90
Deductible Benefit Summary
2,850
Office Copay No
Coinsurance / Maximum Out-of-Pocket 80% (OOP: $2,000)
Lifetime Maximum 25Mil
PPO Network HLK - www.healthlink.com
Don't see your doctor or hospital in this network?
We have more than 80 PPO networks to choose from.
To customize this plan with a different PPO network call us at 866.425.3341
Maternity Coverage No Coverage
Outpatient Maximum
HSA Ready Yes
Plan Description The high deductible health plan with a single deductible for the whole family
Preventive Care / Wellness / Routine Physical Subject to the integrated deductible and plan coinsurance. Benefits for preventive medicine services are limited to a maximum calendar year benefit of $1,500 per covered person. The maximum will not apply to routine mammograms, routine pap tests, routine annual prostate specific antigen (PSA) tests, the annual exam for detection of prostate cancer, child screening tests and diagnostic follow up care for hearing loss, and child immunizations. Child immunizations are exempt from any deductible, copayment and/or coinsurance provisions. Child screening tests and diagnostic follow up for hearing loss are exempt from any deductible. If the Optional First Dollar Preventive Services Benefit is purchased (where available), the plan deductible and coinsurance will be waived for the first $500 of covered services performed by a participating provider for each covered person per calendar year after a 12-month benefit waiting period.
Doctor's Office Visits Subject to the integrated deductible and coinsurance.
Outpatient Lab Tests & X-rays Subject to the integrated deductible and coinsurance.
Outpatient Surgical Subject to the integrated deductible and coinsurance.
Prescription Drugs Subject to the integrated deductible and coinsurance.
Inpatient Services / Hospitalization Subject to the integrated deductible and coinsurance.
Emergency Room Services Covered charges are subject to the integrated deductible and coinsurance.
Ambulance Services Professional ground or air transportation in an ambulance for a covered person who needs emergency treatment for a sickness or an injury to the nearest acute medical facility that can treat the sickness or injury. The ambulance service must meet all applicable state licensing requirements. Subject to the integrated deductible and plan coinsurance.
Rehabilitation Services Inpatient: subject to the integrated deductible and coinsurance. Benefits are limited to a maximum calendar year benefit of 90 days per covered person. Outpatient: subject to the integrated deductible and coinsurance. Benefits are limited to an outpatient physical medicine services maximum calendar year benefit of $3,000 per covered person. Outpatient physical medicine services (rehabilitation services) include benefits for chiropractic care.
Chiropractic Services Subject to the integrated deductible and coinsurance. Benefits are included in the outpatient physical medicine provision which has a combined calendar year maximum of $3,000 per covered person.
Mental Nervous / Substance Abuse Subject to the integrated deductible and 50% coinsurance for participating providers, 70% coinsurance for non-participating providers. $2,500 calendar year maximum.
Complications of Pregnancy Covered charges are covered the same as any other illness.
Calendar Year Maximum None.
Plan Exclusions Exclusions consist of the following, but are not limited to: illness or injury caused by war (whether declared or undeclared), commission of a felony, attempted suicide, influence of an illegal substance, or a hazardous activity for which compensation is received; routine hearing care, vision care, surgery to correct vision, routine foot care or foot orthotics, except for podiatric appliances for the prevention of complications associated with diabetes; cosmetic services; routine dental care unless the dental insurance option is chosen; diagnosis and treatment of infertility; maternity and routine nursery charges unless the maternity option is chosen; growth hormone stimulation to promote or delay growth; genetic testing, counseling and services; charges to treat sexual dysfunction or inadequacy or to restore or enhance sexual performance or desire; over-the-counter products; charges related to "quality of life" or "lifestyle" concerns including, but not limited to: smoking cessation, obesity, hair loss, or cognitive enhancement; charges incurred due to a pre-existing condition until you have been continuously insured for 12 months (unless the condition has been specifically excluded from coverage).
Pre-Existing Condition
A Sickness or an Injury and related complications:
1. For which medical advice, diagnosis, care or treatment was sought, received or recommended from a provider or Prescription Drugs were prescribed during the 12-month period immediately prior to the Covered Person's Effective Date, regardless of whether the condition was diagnosed, misdiagnosed or not diagnosed; or
2. That produced symptoms during the 12-month period immediately prior to the Covered Person's Effective Date which reasonably should have caused or would have caused an ordinarily prudent person to seek diagnosis or treatment.
A pregnancy that exists on the day before the Covered Person's Effective Date will be considered a Pre-Existing Condition, subject to the Pre-Existing Condition definition. DEF: 500.002.TX
These rates are only valid for policies issued with effective dates from 5/1/2008 to 5/28/2008. Rates quoted for more than 30 days in advance of the effective date are subject to change and are not guaranteed. This proposal is not an insurance contract. Only the actual contract provisions will apply. Final rates may vary slightly due to the rounding process. The effective date on the quote does not guarantee coverage and is subject to change. The preferred rates are subject to final underwriting approval. Applicants may be subject to a pre-existing condition limitation on benefits. Refer to the certificate of insurance for terms and conditions.
For applicants under age 40, to qualify for preferred rates, cholesterol readings, if known, must be under 220 and blood pressure readings, if known, must be under 140/90 bp.
Preferred rates are not available to every customer. Generally, you must be in good health in order to receive the preferred rate. These rates are determined and subject to change based upon your application and medical history, our underwriting requirements, and any additional benefits you may select.
A: Well done by Christine R.
You also need to know this plan is a Qualified High Deductible Health Plan which makes it HSA compatible. That means you can open a Health Savings Account and deposit up to $2,850 each year. The deposit is written off your taxes just like an IRA. If you spend the money on qualified expenses the account remains tax free. If you don't spend the money it remains in the account for future use. Qualified expenses include the decutible, dental, vision over the counter medications, etc.
This plan has a lifetime benefit of $25 million most other individual plans cap at $5 million
Michael,
The HAS's actually cost me ( the broker) money. High deductible plans have lower premiums which = lower commission.
The HSA bank account provides no benefit to the broker/agent and saves the insured hundreds if not thousands over traditional plans. I suggest you learn about HAS plans if you are going to comment on them. I woul dbe glad to run you a quote you can use to compare to health link.
http://www.hsainsider.com/
Q: Prostate Issues!! Need Help!?
I recently found that my prostate is swollen, I am 34 years old and my Doc sent me to have a PSA blood test. I'm scared to death. I've researched this and know there is a possibility I have prostate cancer. if this things comes back clean, I promise to start taking care of my prostate, but have no idea how to do this. I have SO many questions.. should I stop masturbating?? can diet help? help!
Well, I have horseshoe kidney, and have been having issues with that, why my doctor decided to put his finger up my butt is totally on him, but in hindsight, I'm glad he checked me out, just wasn't so pleased with the procedure. KY is nasty folks, I'll never take my wife for granted again!! haha
A: First, I am a cancer survivor -- 14 years. I know the fear and helplessness.
Second, the diagnosis isn't back yet. It's always better for your health to assume the BEST not the worst. Your body actually responds to you having a positive attitude. I know it's easy to say "don't worry," and I'm not going to do that. Look to the future, though. The chance that it is cancer is actually pretty low. Most of the time, an enlarged prostate is benign.
Thirdly, masturbating does not have negative effects on your prostate. There are so many, MANY taboos when it comes to masturbation, but it really is a health benefit, as long as it's not excessive. Up to once a day is fine, normal, healthy, good for you, etc.
Things that are damaging to the prostate would be rigorous prostate massage (you should look that up -- I'm uncomfortable describing it in detail if it's not obvious) and things of that nature. It is actually BETTER for the prostate for you to ejaculate fairly often (a couple times a week at minimum).
I have heard that the following foods can help protect against prostate cancer:
cauliflower, grapefruit, peanuts, tomatoes, watermelon
Foods that can protect against cancer in general:
apricots, beans, beets, blueberries, broccoli, cabbage, cantaloupe, carrots, cherries, chestnuts, chili peppers, figs, fish, garlic, grapes, green tea, lemons, limes, mangos, mushrooms, oats, olive oil, onions, oranges, peaches, rice, strawberries, sweet potatoes, walnuts, and plenty of water.
I am curious to know how you realized that you had a problem, though, if you don't mind my asking.
Best of luck, and try very hard to stay positive!
Q: I'm confused about getting a PSA blood test.?
My Dr. ordered one, however I read the American Cancer Society doesn't recomend them as false positives can occur. Should I skip it and just get the prostate exam with the tube looking for polyps? Is there a point to doing this as I also read if u have a polyp and it's malignant treating the cancer can habe other serious side effects. Wouldn't the side effects be better than potentially fatal cancer?
A: I think you are confused a little regarding the polyps and prostate cancer. Polyps are found in the intestines which we detect by doing a colonoscopy (exam with tubes as you say).
PSA (Prostatic specific antigen) is done to detect presence of cancer in the prostate which is out side the intestines and cannot be detected by colonoscopy. The only way see the prostate is to do an Ultra sound exam or CT scan to know the size or any suspicious looking part in the Prostate. But still doing a PSA is wise as if it is high then further tests could be undertaken to confirm the result. Most preliminary tests have false positives but it is nevertheless done for early detection of diseases. Early detection and treatment can sometimes cure diseases like cancer. So definitely do it if your doctor has recommended it and follow it up if there is anything abnormal.
Q: My doctor gave me a rectal exam to check my prostate and said it was lumpy and felt a little hard.?
After the finger in the but to check the prostate.and he said it felt lumpy. he had a psa test done which came back good not elevated at all. Thats all he is going to do.I read about having a lumpy prostate but it always talks about cancer. Is there anything else that can make a prostate gland lumpy and some what firm besides cancer.I would like to do a ultrasound but the doc dont think i need one .Now he is just a familly practitioner not a urologist. THANKS OZ
A: Benign prostatic hypertrophy can make the prostate enlarged and lumpy. I think you need a second opinion, though, if for no other reason that to calm your nerves. Schedule an appointment with a proctologist.
Q: Men . . . . have you had your PSA tested lately?
Prostate cancer is very curable if caught early, get yourself checked.
Your doctor will want do what I refer to as the "Star Wars" exam . . . . . . . . "to boldly go where no man has gone before"
Putting it off is not the answer.
Yesyesyes, I was in a hurry and I was running late for my appointment, it was Star Trek, sheesh, I am so embarassed. My bad, sorry.
A: Colon Cancer as well!
Good man!
Q: Could I have Cancer?!?
I've recently had some prostate and urination issues. I had a PSA done and my prostate came back at a healthy level, but at the highest possible to be called 'healthy'. I had urine infection that has been treaeted. This last week, i notice this lump in one of my testicles. Its not big, its small, and it doestn hurt. Could the PSA (blood test) have found if I had cancer? I currently dont have insurance, this last time I I payed out of pocket for treatment. I dont wanna go and 'waste' my money if the PSA could've caught the cancer issue. Does anyone know? What kind of help is there If I cant pay for cancer treatment? Im screwed.
Im 26 years old btw.
A: The lump in your testicle is probably a hydrocele which are very common. You are too young for prostate cancer. PSA test results will vary by a few points each time taken so just because you are on the high end of normal does not mean prostate cancer is around the corner. Go back to your Dr and get the lump examined. Most hydroceles are left alone but they can be drained or removed if they are too big and bother you.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hydrocele/DS00617