PSA Rising!! What does it all mean??

[Chuck67]

After my prostatectomy in February 2021 my PSA went undetectable (0.014) after 3 months, the next few tests came back with the same results. In June 2022 my PSA came in at 0.016 and then in August 2022 it is 0.03. I realise there is no need for urgent treatment or even to have much of a discussion about it but can’t help myself!! It is a stressful time every 3 months having these tests and it looks like I am on the rise!! It is still undetectable so I should look at the positive side if things. Next test is scheduled for November 2022. For full disclosure I moved Doctors in July 2022 so the testing facility will have changed between June and August 2022. If it goes up again in November what do I do or should I at least speak with someone now??

[Tall_Allen]

After you changed doctors, was your PSA 0.03 or <0.03? It sounds like no real increase, just a different lab test.

[Chuck67 in reply to Tall_Allen]

Thanks for responding Tall_Allen, my test result before was 0.015 - (no < or >), this most recent test result, at a different lab was <0.03. You may be right about it being a different lab as I have moved areas so the lab would be different I think but the printout including all details and setting out was exactly the same - just the numbers were different. I am aware there is nothing to do but wait because there is nothing to be done until it reaches 0.2 but nevertheless it has concerned me.

[Tall_Allen in reply to Chuck67]

<0.03 means "less than" 0.03. That means that it is at the lowest value that lab reports. It is no different from previous readings. It does NOT mean that PSA is rising. You are just creating your own anxiety without any justification whatsoever.

[Chuck67]

Many thanks for the reassurance!!