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What Causes Constant Increase In PSA Levels?
Question: My father in law is 92. Three years ago his urologist took 12 biopsy's of his prostate after his blood work showed a elevated psa number. No surgery or treatment was recommended. His same Dr. just performed another 12 biospy's because his psa was considerably higher than before. After both procedures he bled heavily and this time he spent 2days in the hospital until bleeding was more controlled. He has been on Coumadin For several years. The Urologist in the hospital made the statement that he would never have preformed the biopsy's on a 92 year old and added that in his opinion Prostrate cancer would not be what ends his life. So, why would a doctor recommend doing that to a 92 year old man? Also, before going to the hospital, he called his Dr. To let him know about the heavy hemorrhaging. This Dr. told his 90 yr old wife to tell Dad to drink several glasses of water and for him to squeeze his penis real hard, and he would call back in an hour. When we heard this, we had serious concerns of his doctors competence and we think dad should run not walk away from this doctor. FYI the doctor never called back and mom finally drove dad to the hospital. We are going to meet with and his doctor tomorrow at Dad's home and would appreciate your comments regarding the recommendation for the biopsy at his age and his very strange recommendation to deal with the hemorrhaging?
Brief Answer:
Only biopsy can diagnose a cancer. PSA is a tumor marker only.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX and welcome to HCM.
As an Urologist,i can understand your concern.
You're justified in feeling upset.
Hope the Coumadin was stopped, about 5 days before the biopsy.
I'm assuming the previous biopsy report was normal,as you've not written that.
A high PSA is a tumor marker for possibility of a prostate cancer.
Only a biopsy can confirm that diagnosis.
A 12 core biopsy is standard, while doing a prostate biopsy.
In patients on Coumadin,bleeding is often seen.
After bleeding starts,clots can form and block the urine flow.
That's the reason for the doctors advise, to squeeze the penis and drink water.
Though, that's not a standard advise.
Hope you've understood cause of the bleeding and the reason for doctors advice.
If you've any other doubts,feel free to clear all your doubts.
Wishing your father-in-law,good health and a negative biopsy report.
In case you decide to close this query,you may rate this answer.
Dr.Matthew J. Mangat.
Only biopsy can diagnose a cancer. PSA is a tumor marker only.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX and welcome to HCM.
As an Urologist,i can understand your concern.
You're justified in feeling upset.
Hope the Coumadin was stopped, about 5 days before the biopsy.
I'm assuming the previous biopsy report was normal,as you've not written that.
A high PSA is a tumor marker for possibility of a prostate cancer.
Only a biopsy can confirm that diagnosis.
A 12 core biopsy is standard, while doing a prostate biopsy.
In patients on Coumadin,bleeding is often seen.
After bleeding starts,clots can form and block the urine flow.
That's the reason for the doctors advise, to squeeze the penis and drink water.
Though, that's not a standard advise.
Hope you've understood cause of the bleeding and the reason for doctors advice.
If you've any other doubts,feel free to clear all your doubts.
Wishing your father-in-law,good health and a negative biopsy report.
In case you decide to close this query,you may rate this answer.
Dr.Matthew J. Mangat.
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
Answered by
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