Hi. Had a digital exam this morning and Dr says I have an enlarged prostate. He said it was common in older men, I'm 72, but wants a PSA test done anyway. It's always been recently described as large but I have no trouble passing urine etc. I have had a major scare with bowel cancer and this has left me anxious about anything which has a cancer possibility. The 5 year survival for the bowel cancer is looking ok, I'm over four years now. He said he couldn't detect any lumps and any cancer takes years to develop. So can I stop worrying a little? Any advice from anyone who knows about this topic will be appreciated. Thanks.
No you should not worry but yes you should have a PSA. I have had one every year since I was 40
My prostate cancer was detected early and is being treated. I have a quarterly PSA but an annual one is fine for you if below say 6.
Above that and maybe it would be sensible to have an MRI
Worrying is frankly useless, wasted energy! - but you can take seriously what the doctor advises. Get the PSA test done and, even if it is raised, remember that your detectable enlargement may well be enough to explain it. Nonetheless, if it leads to being referred to Urology, then you can ask all your questions to that department. If you have no urinary symptoms now, chances are, with the enlargement you have, these will develop as the prostate gradually squeezes your urethra. Alternatively, your Dr may retain responsibility for monitoring your PSA. Several tests, each a few months apart, can plot the course of your prostate health / disease. If the doctor(s) want to eliminate the possibility of cancer being present, a biopsy may be advised. Nothing to fear there in my experience. At 67 I have lived with both enlargement (mild) and cancer (not spreading) with no treatment. If you have the right approach and a calm temperament, I've found it's reassuring to know what's going on, rather than have uncertainty and nagging doubts.
Excellent advise.
Cheers Richard
Thanks!
I totally agree with Pepasan. By all means, get your PSA checked. Enlarged prostate is very common in men and doesn't necessarily mean cancer. Especially if you are not having any issues with urinating etc. It your PSA is elevated, you might want to have a biopsy. That would tell you if there are cancer cells present, and how aggressive. Even if there are cancer cells present, they are usually non aggressive and you can just keep an eye on things. So stop worrying. Check your PSA. That should be done annually anyway. Good luck to you.
Stop worrying. Follow the docs advice, track your PSA. Even if you get not so great news you have time to research and make decisions. You have lots of time
R
The psa was 6.3, just in the normal range I was given. (<6.5.). Last March it was 5.3. He wants another dre in a month or so. Maybe then to a Urologist? But he felt no bumps, it was large and firm/hard. And the PSA was higher but still just ok. And I'm a year older. Hopefully he's just being very cautious.
It looks like he meant 3 months and I see him again in a week for another dre. I'll just have to wait but the stress is building. That's just me though, it's hard not to worry after the other cancer trauma. I keep telling myself that the PSA was in the normal range for my age, he couldn't detect any nodules and hopefully he'll just want to keep a regular check on it. Sorry, Monday morning here now and I'm never at my best in the mornings!
Worrying never accomplished anything. Try to relax. A DRE is just one of the tools at the Dr disposal and probably the least useful. It's the PSA. Not necessarily the actual # but the amount of increase (velocity). Have the necessary conversation and then the next step if necessary or recommended will most likely be an MRI and/or biopsy
True. He had another feel today and thought one side was a bit harder than the other. No nodules detected though. So another PSA test in a week and he will refer me to a Urologist. Which is the best thing to happen. Early days still, the last PSA was in the normal range and he is fortunately being very careful. The Urologist could be four months away unless he feels the need to move it forward.
Today it is 7.4 psa. Dr said to do it again in a month to look for any trend. That's a rise of 1.1 in three months. He's not overly concerned, if it were 20 ish he would be. That is .9 over normal for age 72 by the info here. I've asked to see a private specialist to save time but not money! Not the result I wanted and the first time ever it's been above normal. Relax! I can't change anything!
I'm not clear whether you have seen an urologist yet, but if you haven't I believe you should.
He/she will evaluate and you will know better where you stand.
Knowledge is power and helps remove the mystery so you worry less
Yes I can believe you have not seen a urologist yet. Why not ? No point relying on your doctor. See a specialist
Thanks Richard and Triplets. I spoke to my Dr yesterday and he will refer me to a Urologist.
I saw the Urologist today and he wants me to have biopsy, which will probably be next Wednesday. I'm going privately so will make a hole in my bank balance, such as it is! But, peace of mind and all that, public would be much longer. Anyway, I stopped drinking over 11 years ago so I'll use some of the money I've saved. Trying to justify the expense now.
Congratulations on your sobrity!
Not knowledgeable of the 'system'. How long will the wait be?
Discuss with the urologist, perhaps the wait may not have an impact on your health.
Regardless, good luck.
Try not to worry too much at this point. Prostate cancer is a scare, but an enlarged prostate is common in men over 50 or 60 years old. What was your PSA number? If your urologist requested a biopsy, it is good that you are doing it. That will show if there are any cancer cells and how aggressive they are - or it will show no cancer at all. If there are cancer cells, most likely it is slow growing and you can go the active surveillance route. That is were you will just get routine check ups to make sure it is not progressing. But if your urologist suggests treatment, there are many that work. So for now, don't stress over it. See what the biopsy shows and take it from there. And congratulations on your sobriety! The best of luck to you.
The last psa was 7.4 about two or three weeks ago. The Urologist said under 10 for my age is still ok. It's just a matter of sitting it out until the biposy and not asking Dr Google. Thanks for the replies.
I could have had the biopsy yesterday, but it costs $NZ900. So I will go publicly and it's on 3 September. Not toooo much of a wait to save the money I suppose. I was insured until aged about 65 but the premiums shot up. Just when you need the cover too as you get older.