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The PSA (prostate specific antigen) should be 0! If it is elevated, you will be or should be refered to a Uro specialist. He/She may recommend a biopsy of the prostate gland.
Actually, it should only be zero if you've had your prostate removed. Anyone with a prostate should have a PSA. If you've had your prostate removed and you have a PSA above 0, it means your cancer has metastasized. Anyone with a prostate should have a PSA, and the new recommendation is to no longer do a PSA on someone without a history of prostate cancer as it is not a very specific test (it can be elevated in a number of cases, not just cancer), and may lead to unneeded biopsies that you mention are unpleasant.
Anyway, for the OP: You're 39. Prostate cancer isn't usually something that comes up for Men until their 60s. I'm also not sure what you meant when you said you did a self-prostate exam and felt a lump next to it. Your prostate is located a few inches up your anus and in front of your intestines. Most people can't touch their prostate directly, and if they do the won't feel much of their prostate. Prostate cancer does not usually feel like a lump on inspection, but hard (a normal prostate should feel like the tip of your nose, cancer will feel like your forehead). That being said, if it is prostate cancer, you should know that it is a very survivable disease.
My prostate story - a lesson for all
I had PSA tests for many years as part of my annual physical
As time progressed, the readings rose from 1.8 to 2.6
Then suddenly there was a jump to 4.2
(4.0 is considered the upper acceptable limit)
My doc referred me to a urologist who immediately recommended a biopsy
I suggested a second PSA test first - and he agreed
The second test came back 2.8
I had my PSA blood work taken the day after my doc's digital exam.
When I mentioned this my doc said "PSAs are elevated by prostate massage, always allow a week after any prostate massage for a PSA test"
BottomLine (npi): Get PSA before digital exam, or any prostate massage, or wait at least a week to preclude an erroneous result
I am wry glad to have all the feed back. And to have you guys share your sirvivor stories with me is amazing. I am going to the doctor on Tue. I will keep you posted on what is said. I feel a lot better going into my exam with more info. Its good to have heard from someone who has experienced the process of diagnosis and treatment.
Some men are reluctant to see a doctor about any genital problem. Some men are reluctant to see a doctor about problems urinating. Some men avoid the doctor's finger up the anus. Add them together, and you have too many guys who don't follow up on changes that could indicate prostate cancer. {QUOTE}.......... This is so very true. I was fortunate. I could not imagine dying of embarasment. To many men put off needed medical help and end up dying because of what you wrote. Mine was Bladder cancer..I went as soon as I noticed problems and 8 and one half years later I am glad I did.
Guys, apparently the PSA test is sensitive but not specific.
There are lots of possibilities of prostate cancer management and I would recommend not to succumb to the greed of the physicians.
Believe it or not but I did not have medical insurance. I opened a phone book and called several Urologist and told them my circumstances..After the 4th call the woman I spoke with said honey we dont care if you have no money,and proceeded to make an appointment. That doctor saved my life.To the OP "Derrick110" See that doctor Tuesday. It is normal to think of the worst case scenario..You will be fine. Please let us know..