tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3114833974012757165.post2338607590134335116..comments2023-04-18T01:19:13.256-07:00Comments on Prostate Snatchers: PSA, The Human “Check Engine” LightProstate Oncology Specialistshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12308174937988133133noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3114833974012757165.post-90650566024748296302016-05-23T06:22:10.035-07:002016-05-23T06:22:10.035-07:00Yes I agree. 49 here. For years tod don't do P...Yes I agree. 49 here. For years tod don't do PSA until 50, even tho my dad had prostate cancer. Last annual visit I was offered option and said ok do it even tho totally non-symptomatic. While physical exam of prostate was normal PSA was very high (like 12). This led to follow up with specialist and biopsy that was thankfully negative although so atypical cells to monitor. <br /><br />I can say to any guy possibly confronting a biopsy that it is nothing to worry about. Please don't avoid it because it is just not that bad. Honestly. <br /><br />I was afraid of results and lucked out at least for now. But either way at least you know if you have it done. And if it is something you get it as early as possible. And if not you have a baseline. Bryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06676083081973394504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3114833974012757165.post-32743153745280168972015-01-21T15:11:51.417-08:002015-01-21T15:11:51.417-08:00@anonymous: The problem is that the PSA test doesn...@anonymous: The problem is that the PSA test doesn't specify what type of cancer the patient has." ^^ <br /><br />www.prostatevanguard.com and shades found here: http://www.prostatecancerlive.com/shades-prostate-cancer-2/<br />videos are helpful. "Following that of course, there are different methods of monitoring - some centers use regular biopsies, frequent PSA testing, and different types of thresholds for deciding who has the type of cancer that does need treatment. I won't go into that at this point, because that is a complex area, but the first and most important take home message is that this idea -- it's safe to watch certain types of prostate cancer is an established medical fact. Some doctors, unfortunately are still unaware of this fact."<br /> Prostate Oncology Specialistshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12308174937988133133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3114833974012757165.post-24797244235398348212015-01-15T16:06:28.595-08:002015-01-15T16:06:28.595-08:00As you state the PSA test is a non-specific test t...As you state the PSA test is a non-specific test that does not diagnose PC. but is only an indication of a problem that needs further investigation.<br />This is also the case with all other cancer test, a Mamogram for breast cancer only detects a lump which may or may not be cancer that needs further tests to actually diagnose cancer.<br />The same applies to both a pap smear and an FOBT test for bowel cancer. My question is as to why there is only a debate about the PSA test for PC? could it be that Prostate Cancer only affects Men??????????????<br />Henry Franklinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3114833974012757165.post-80131837215144954372015-01-15T11:05:00.134-08:002015-01-15T11:05:00.134-08:00Just another fan of the PSA test checking in with ...Just another fan of the PSA test checking in with my experience.<br /><br />Always had a low (under 3) slow rising PSA and a "normally enlarged" prostate until age 71. At age 72 it went up to 5.9. At "your age" nothing to worry about according to my PCP. I hated hearing the "at your age" part and independently went for another PSA after sweating for 8 months and found it at 11.9. I had my primary refer me to a urologist who suggested but did not insist (again, "at your age" it is probably okay to wait watchfully) I do the random 12 core biopsy. I said "go for it" and biopsy showed 7 cancerous cores all with Gleason scores of at least 6 and 3 with Gleason scores of 7 (4+3 variety). By this time I am 73 years old and very nervous. Subsequently all scans showed no break out of cancer from capsule so I found a skilled Da Vinci surgeon and had a radical prostatectomy. I'm 74 now, strong healthy and the after effects of the surgery are very minimal and manageable. My PSA so far has been non-detectable.<br /><br />Start young, keep up with your PSA and don't let AMA protocols based on age (young or old) deter you. I have seen four of my friends die of prostate cancer, three because they watchfully waited after PSA jumps and the fourth because he never did the first PSA.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3114833974012757165.post-18522882333921022012015-01-13T10:03:19.644-08:002015-01-13T10:03:19.644-08:00I agree emphatically with the 2 "anonymous&qu...I agree emphatically with the 2 "anonymous" posters.<br />But I have a question about the confusing statement "The problem is that the PSA test doesn't specify what type of cancer the patient has."<br />What does this mean? Pls explain. Shouldn't it read ". . .doesn't specify WHETHER the patient has PCa"?<br />Thank you. <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3114833974012757165.post-87499622329561584422015-01-13T08:49:23.216-08:002015-01-13T08:49:23.216-08:00Slow, steady increase in my PSA for 20 years. 201...Slow, steady increase in my PSA for 20 years. 2012 3.5 2013 4.5. Nothing to worry about, even though my Dad lost a 3-year fight with prostate cancer, was what my PCP stated. Feb 2014 no PSA test then because of a change of national protocols. Had it checked by a urologist 14.32 in August, subsequent biopsy showed "advanced, aggressive" cancer in 12/12 cores. Yes, I did allow a surgeon snatch it. <br />Do I recommend PSA tests? Absolutely. My 24 yo son will get a regular one, even if I have to pay the $50 for it or $80 for a free P<br />SA test.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3114833974012757165.post-54014149944795618222015-01-01T15:48:27.679-08:002015-01-01T15:48:27.679-08:00I completely agree with the PSA test as a valuable...I completely agree with the PSA test as a valuable non-specific indicator. I am appalled that some insurance lobbyists are pushing to extend routine PSA test to 55 years and later. I am 48 and had no symptoms at all, but a PSA test by an thorough physician found aggressive prostate cancer that was right to the margins and ready to break free. I believe PSA test should be routinely done on much younger men (40s?) but should be used for what it is a "Check engine light" Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com