Does a rising PSA after a radical prostatectomy mean I have cancer?

Answer 1

Prostate cancer usually releases detectable increases in the level of prostate specific antigen (PSA) found in the blood. When a prostate cancer is resected, we expect the PSA value to fall dramatically. If it doesn't, thats concerning for the possibility of residual disease. Following that, serial determinations of PSA value can be used to screen for recurrence. Rising values after resection with curative intent should prompt re-investigation. Prostate cancer can spread to bone, and lesions in the bone can be detected with bone scan. Also, CT scanning of the abdomen and pelvis can be useful to find masses above about 5 millimeters in diameter. The importance of follow-up physical exam and evaluation cannot be over emphasized. The treatment for residual or reccurent disease may be surgery, radiation, hormone suppression, or a combination. Our best weapon in the fight against cancer is early detection. All interventions are more effective early rather than late.

Answer 2

Unfortunately yes, it does mean that the beast is back. But, a lot depends upon how long ago u had the prostatectomy and how high your current psa is and how fast it is rising. In general if the levels are doubling in less than 8 months, then u will need treatment soon. Also, if there is evidence that the cancer has spread, say to the bones, the, too you will need treatment soon. Some times, increasing PSA is sign that there is cancer somewhere, and all the tests your doc does, including CT etc, dont show where it is. This generally means the cancer is small and u can afford to wait before therapy. Some times, the cancer recures locally in the prostate bed after prostatectomy In this situation, u can receive external beam radiation.

Answer 3

Not necessarily. It's normal for your PSA to bounce during the first two years after surgery. You definitely need to go see a doctor and if possible I recommend Dr Dattoli as he's the best.

Answer 4

If your PSA is raising, then you need to find out why. It may be normal, but a raising PSA is the first sign of a possible cancer.

Answer 5

You really need to ask questions like this from a Doc, especially an oncologist or urologist. Too serious to be fooling around on the Internet, time is a wasting my friend. Good Luck

Answer 6

SEE a UROLOGIST NOW!

If you test positive for cancer, chose operation over radiation therapy. Radiation will kill your SEX capability, play havoc with the bladder and that is for the rest of your life!

Been there, dove that, cannot have sex with my wife! I am 72!