How to manage high PSA and prostate cancer risk in elderly?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have got a bit of a worry about my dad. He is 67 and had some tests done recently because he was having trouble going to the bathroom not just once in a while, but it has been pretty regular for months now. His GP mentioned something about his prostate being enlarged and ran a PSA test.

Now they are talking about doing more tests because the numbers were a bit high. He has not said much, but I can tell he is nervous; it is not like him to lose sleep over things.

I have read that prostate cancer can be slow-growing, but what does that mean in his case?
Does this always lead to cancer, or could it just be something less serious?
If it is cancer, does it always mean surgery or something big like that?
How serious does this sound to you?
Is there anything we can do now to help him stay healthy while we are waiting for the next round of tests?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Yes, usually prostate cancer is a slow-growing cancer in old age. if PSA (prostate-specific antigen) has been found high.

The next step will be to do the following:

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) pelvis.
Transrectal ultrasound of the prostate.
Biopsy of the prostate gland. Once the biopsy report is available, we will be able to say whether it is an aggressive form of prostate cancer or slow-growing cancer.

Treatment depends upon the biopsy report and PSMA PET (prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography) scan report.

Some patients need just close observation, while others need surgery or hormonal therapy.

I hope this helps.

Thank you, and take care.

Regards.