pros$r&t# exam!

[Richard in Smithville]

If you're over 50 or have a strong family history you need a yearly digital exam and a PSA every 2 years or so, .

My GP lead me to believe that the PSA test was a replacement to the digital exam. Although the PSA is preferable, should I be concerned that something might be missed? Does age make a difference in the type of testing( not quite 50 yet). After the scare I had this past summer, I'm feeling a little more mortal and would rather catch things early.

[Hoover]

I had the PSA blood tests done, just an arm prick to withdraw some blood. I alway had the digital test done, but nothing can prepare you for a biopsy exam.
I had one done in 2007, live and without any shots or anything else. It was beyond description!!!

I later found out that I had 3 different locations in my prostate that were cancerous.
When you consider not having it done, then you might as well play russian roulette.

[fbrend123]

My GP lead me to believe that the PSA test was a replacement to the digital exam. Although the PSA is preferable, should I be concerned that something might be missed? Does age make a difference in the type of testing( not quite 50 yet). After the scare I had this past summer, I'm feeling a little more mortal and would rather catch things early.

Richard, the digital exam is to check for an enlarged prostate. My PSA has been elevated for the last two years without any enlargement, and I've had three biopsies within the last year, all negative. My urologist told me that there are a lot of guys my age (71) walking around with elevated PSAs that don't have cancer. The PSA test is another part of the early warning system. But better safe than sorry.

BTW, the biopsy isn't that bad. They insert this probe that has a hollow needle in it, along with an ultrasound device so that the urologist can see where he's going. He can aim that needle wherever he wants to, and when he pulls the trigger, it feels like someone snapped you in the rear with a rubber band. Even though he warned me before each snap, the first one elevated me off the table about a foot. Usually, he takes about seven or eight core samples at each session. Always wants a PSA test a week or two before doing it. Not real pleasant, but not more than a slight but literal pain in the a**, either.

If I am incorrect on anything in this post , any doctors on the forum are welcome to set me straight.