I received another note regarding the PSA test, questioning whether one should refuse the test based upon recent articles indicating the test does not, in fact, save lives.
The extent of my knowledge and qualifications to discuss matters medical is restricted to my own experience...in other words, I have no valid credentials to make suggestions or offer opinions on such matters.
Warning: Pay no attention to the man behind this blog (medically).
That being said, I mentioned in an earlier post a friend who brought her husband to me at a social event and insisted he tell me his PSA test results. After we both shared a moment of discomfort (obviously we're both smart enough to be scared of our wives), he told me his test came back a 56. 56? Holy crap, mine was only 5.2 and I was having my prostate removed! I suggested he seriously consider the biopsy his urologist ordered.
Well, he had the biopsy and guess what? No cancer, zero, zip, nada, none. He was placed on a course of antibiotics to see if that might offer a cure. Two months later, his wife told me he had another test...the number was now 84. The doctor prescribed another course of antibiotics and the couple is seeking a second opinion to determine what the hell was going on.
I mention all of that for one reason, a PSA test, as I have mentioned, may not be definitive, but it can be a marker for some extant process. If a man's PSA number is out of the normal range, or is moving up at an accelerated pace, it's a pretty good hint additional testing may be indicated. It does not mean cancer...many things can cause an elevated score (even intercourse within a few days of the test, according to the Johns Hopkins Health Alert); but wouldn't you like to know what's going on? I would.
The decision of treatment is always the patient's. Did I rush to surgery before it was absolutely necessary? Probably, but that was my decision and I'm glad I made it...I'm just as happy for those who choose other treatments including “watchful waiting.” I cannot be so happy for those who choose to ignore the issue. But, hey, it's your gland.
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