Friday 19 October 2007

PSA results interpreted

Friday 19/10/2007 - 4:30pm.

Attended my first appointment with the Urologist/Surgeon in Monavale. After some intial discussion, I then underwent a 'digital rectal examination'. Not as painful as it sounds, but certainly a little embarrassing, as the process involved a gloved finger penetrating my anus! The result, confirmed a large firm (undoutedly cancerous) mass.

The Urologist explained that the normal PSA reading for someone my age would range between 0 and 3.5. Therefore my reading of 84.8 was cause for some concern and indicative of the cancer most likely NOT being contained to the Prostate.


The following provides a 'guide' in regards to PSA levels.

A PSA reading below 4, indicates that the chance of prostate cancer being confined to the prostate gland is 65%
Between 4 and 10, the chance is 50%
Between 10 and 20, 35% and
Beyond 20, 20% and less.
Once the PSA is above 30, it is very likely the cancer has spread beyond the prostate and therefore cannot be cured surgically.

However, confirmation of this and the best way to move forward would have to await the results of a 'trans-rectal ultrasound/biopsy'.

This procedure was then schedule for the earliest possible date: Monday 22/10/2007 at 8:30am.

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