PSA Level of 2.4 with history of UTI and BPH

In September, I was treated for UTI after having difficulty in urinating and blood clot coming out while peeing. After two weeks of antibiotics, I was tested for PSA which came back at 3.66. I was referred to Urologist who did DRE which was normal. He suggested another test in six weeks. This test came back with PSA down to 2.3. I haven't heard back from Urologist since one month and now I am worried. I am 50 years old.

  • Hi Channamanna.  Welcome to the forum.

    I am not doctor and I have no medical qualifications.  However I was treated for prostate cancer back in 2010, and since then I've been an active member of our local prostate support group.  

    They keep changing the reference ranges for PSA value, so it's difficult to keep up.  For a man aged 50-69, it should be below 3.

    Your PSA of 3.66 was not excessively above this value, and this could easily be caused by the known UTI.  PSA doesn't immediately drop down when the UTI is cured; it does take some weeks, hence the 6 week interval after the antibiotics.

    Your PSA has now dropped to 2.3, which is a good result.  You've also had a clear DRE, which is also good news.  I don't think there's anything to indicate that you might have prostate cancer brewing and (bearing in mind I'm not a doctor) I wouldn't be worried in your shoes.  Your urologist might or might not call for further tests, but I wouldn't worry if that happens.  

    It might be worth chatting with your GP about getting a regular PSA test, every 6-12 months.  This will enable you to monitor your situation and you'll be on the ball should it rise again.  However, there are a number of things that can cause a raised PSA, including a UTI (as you've discovered), or an enlarged prostate, or even ejaculation in the previous 48 hours.  A raised PSA does not automatically mean cancer. 

  • Thank you very much  Telemando for your reply. Helped greatly in easing some tension. I'll speak to my GP about tests at regular intervals.

  • Hi telemando,

     

    Just a quick update. My latest (24/02/20) PSA test came back at 2.0 ng/ml. So decreased further. Yet to hear from Urologist.

  • That is excellent news.  It makes cancer even less likely than it was before, and I think after that result the urologist will be less worried about you, but you may have to wait longer to hear from them since your case may now be considered less urgent. 

    You can always phone the hospital and ask to speak to the urologist's secretary to find out what they have planned for you.  

  • Thank you very much telemando for being so supportive. 

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