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Suggest Treatment For Hernia

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Posted on Tue, 10 Oct 2017
Question: About 18 months ago I began having what i THOUGHT were the classic symptoms of BPH...longer time to urinate in the morning, weak stream, alot of standing around. Then during the day, when the urge to urinate came on, it was of course very urgent, so basically classic BPH stuff. (or maybe infection? dunno) But during a blood screening for Life Insurance, my PSA came back as 99 (!!) It only took me about a minute to realize maybe i never had BPH to begin with, more likely Prostate Cancer. Your thoughts? (one note: I have an untreated hernia for 15 years, and while I cant imagine that could cause PSA readings to fluctuate, i want to mention it on the off chance it could cause some sort of pressure on the prostate causing some kind of antigen leakage into the blood stream...probably silly, but i wanted to throw it out there)
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (48 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
unfortunately a hernia is not likely to have an effect

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

No, unfortunately a hernia would not cause an increased in PSA because it would not compress the prostate. It is not in the path of prostate so it would not cause prostate symptoms.

Surgery, examination, infection- these can affect PSA levels

High levels in PSA can sometimes be due to very large benign enlargement of the prostate.
As you stated, cancer of the prostate is also a possibility. Many persons with prostatic cancer have changes restricted to the prostate only, there is no spread and they respond well to treatment.

You would need to be physically examined and have an ultrasound to take a look at the prostate.
A biopsy of the prostate, may also be required.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (14 minutes later)
Thank you Dr XXXXXXX one follow up question:

Could a benign enlargement of the prostate really push the score to 99? (i have an appointment tommorow morning with the GP, then im sure, off to the specialist for further eval)

Knowing that the baseline assumption is 0-4 score, im struggling to think a benign enlargement could push the score that high. Of course, i HOPE it can !! Have their been cases of this type of really high score that was NOT cancer?

Thank you in advance for all your help !
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (59 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
slight chance if very large

Detailed Answer:
HI

It would have to be very large. It is not as likely as a cancerous change but the possibility exists.
Examination and imaging would be needed

As mentioned, even if the level is due to cancer, it does not mean necessarily that there is spread to adjoining areas or the bone
Treatment with surgery and chemo and/or radiotherapy would help

I have a patient who had prostatic Ca over 10 years ago and is doing okay at the moment
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (42 minutes later)
Thank you Dr., this has been extremely informative and helpful, and i will see the physician immediately and determine next steps.

Thank you so very much !

doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
no problem

Detailed Answer:
wishing you the best
Note: Consult a Urologist online for consultation about prostate and bladder problems, sexual dysfunction, kidney stones, prostate enlargement, urinary incontinence, impotence and erectile dysfunction - Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Hernia

Brief Answer: unfortunately a hernia is not likely to have an effect Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic No, unfortunately a hernia would not cause an increased in PSA because it would not compress the prostate. It is not in the path of prostate so it would not cause prostate symptoms. Surgery, examination, infection- these can affect PSA levels High levels in PSA can sometimes be due to very large benign enlargement of the prostate. As you stated, cancer of the prostate is also a possibility. Many persons with prostatic cancer have changes restricted to the prostate only, there is no spread and they respond well to treatment. You would need to be physically examined and have an ultrasound to take a look at the prostate. A biopsy of the prostate, may also be required. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions