PSA of 82 but no symptoms

Hi, this is my 1st post. It's great that these days, men are happy to talk about their prostate down the pub as easy as they do about the footie!

In March this year I did an e-consult with our local doctors surgery. I had/have no obvious symptoms but I'm 62 so I thought it would be good to have a test despite no family history. To cut a long story short, the doctor (locum?) talked me out of getting a test due to no symptoms and "false positives". I just felt that he wanted me off the phone and onto the next patients. As part of my annual check-up for other things (cholesterol, blood pressure etc) there was a raised result regarding my liver function. That was re-tested and my doctor said they'd "throw in" a PSA test. I think she'd seen the previous telephone consultation with the March PSA request. I think I've had 20 or so test - 7 vials of blood ie an armful. Everything else is normal - just PSA and ALP liver function high

The PSA result came back as 82 ie "significant". I've had a rush MRI and bone scan, the latter being yesterday - it was in just a few days so does show the NHS can move quickly if it has too. I'm told I have 10 days to wait for results and then a potential biopsy.

My question really is: Even though these tests are to rule out cancer, has someone on this forum had a similar high PSA and its only turned out to be an enlarged prostate. As above I don't really have any symptoms and I pass urine normally - I was only up once in the night etc.

Thank you so much in advance for your replies

  • Hello Markv and welcome to the forum.
    It sounds like you’ve been through quite a lot with your recent tests and scans, and I can imagine that waiting for results might feel like a bit of a challenge. It's encouraging to hear that the NHS has been able to act quickly in your case, though.
    Many people in the forum have had experiences with PSA tests and can probably offer insights, especially when it comes to high PSA results without symptoms. There are a variety of factors that can influence PSA levels, so you’re not alone in wondering what it all means. If you're interested, you might find more information on the PSA test in our website: Cancer Research UK – PSA Test.
    That being said, if you feel like asking some questions to our team of nurses, they'd be happy to talk things over with you Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m on this freephone 0808 800 4040.
    I hope this helps.
    With best wishes,
    Renata, Cancer Chat moderator
  • Hi Markv

    Sorry to hear about this recent result. 

    My husband was also fobbed off by his GP earlier this year when he asked for a PSA blood test. 

    Your high PSA may mean nothing at all, but go and have it checked out. 

    We moved house and after routine bloods were taken at our new practice my husbands PSA level was 46, no symptoms whatsoever.

    Also had MRI’s very quickly and fastracked for a biospy which happened a week ago, now we have to wait for the formal diagnosis which is the 2nd Dec, the Consultant indicated that it’s cancerous from the DRE examination.

    Hope someone can be with you for the biospy as support, it’s honestly not as bad as most imagine, the nurses were kind and compassionate absolute angels ! 

    Let us know how you get on

  • Thank you for your reply. I just feel that I'm in a hiatus and it's affecting my mental health. All I want to do is know what the diagnosis is. I'm fortunate that I've been fastracked but the wait is unbearable!

  • It’s horrible waiting I understand and agree, try to keep occupied the best you can that would be my advice, get out and do anything, walking is great and clears the mind.

    The positive is they are acting quickly, we are now waiting for a formal diagnosis, I completely understand your anxiety. 

    Do you have a partner ?  Sorry not to be rude but just to understand.