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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is 4K Score Test More Reliable Than Urine Test?

Hi. I am 73, no family history of prostate cancer, and no symptoms. I have had 3 PSA tests in the last 2 years. The results in 3-16, 2.6, 3-17, 5.4, and 9-17, 5.2. My urologist said I should have a biopsy. I asked for another type of test and they drew blood for a 4K test. He will call with the results. I have 2 friends that have had biopsies with no cancer found, but some problems with the procedure. I have read of some reliable urine tests prior to a biopsy that are much more accurate than a PSA test. I have read my PSA numbers are in range of someone my age. Is the 4K test more reliable than any urine test? You can tell I am trying to avoid a biopsy.
Tue, 2 Jan 2018
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
hello sir... first of all, I am not a urologist.. urologists are generally experts in these problems. as per my knowledge PSA is a very good screening test for prostate cancer, both benign and malignant. and in the past this was the deciding factor for many clinicians to advice for biopsy. but though this test is very sensitive but it's not specific to cancer (means it ll detect even slightest possiblity of cancer but at the same time it could rise in conditions other than cancer), for which biopsy would be unnecessary. so best option is to go for 4K test as it is more specific and accurate and non invasive. if it turns out to be positive then would suggest for a TRUS guided biopsy. generally PSA upper limit will be 4. but it's not for everyone. for your age 70-79 it's normal range is 0-6.5. and it will be little lower for black men. no other urine test is as accurate as 4K test. so I would suggest you to go ahead with 4K test to avoid unnecessary biopsy, and then to for TRUS biopsy if needed.
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Is 4K Score Test More Reliable Than Urine Test?

hello sir... first of all, I am not a urologist.. urologists are generally experts in these problems. as per my knowledge PSA is a very good screening test for prostate cancer, both benign and malignant. and in the past this was the deciding factor for many clinicians to advice for biopsy. but though this test is very sensitive but it s not specific to cancer (means it ll detect even slightest possiblity of cancer but at the same time it could rise in conditions other than cancer), for which biopsy would be unnecessary. so best option is to go for 4K test as it is more specific and accurate and non invasive. if it turns out to be positive then would suggest for a TRUS guided biopsy. generally PSA upper limit will be 4. but it s not for everyone. for your age 70-79 it s normal range is 0-6.5. and it will be little lower for black men. no other urine test is as accurate as 4K test. so I would suggest you to go ahead with 4K test to avoid unnecessary biopsy, and then to for TRUS biopsy if needed.