In my post of January 10, 2016, I spoke of issues relating to my elevated PSA (“prostate specific antigen“). Past tests have been negative. But the PSA numbers continued to remain high. My urologist at the University of Chicago suggested a brand new test (developed in the last year or two) – called the “4K” test. Instead of measuring PSA which is helpful but not determinative (and often unreliable), the 4K test measures four “kallikreins” (metrics which can more readily identify prostate cancer). He also recommended an MRI with a contrast dye this time. This too is readily new – and provides “highlights” of trouble areas.
I had the 4K test and the MRI with contrast dye. The 4K results are reported in percentages: “less then 10% chance of having a significant cancer (Gleason score more than 7).” The MRI was even more optimistic (translation: less than 5% chance of malignancy). The two tests together were highly optimistic.
Some men have a genetic propensity to higher PSA. Prostate size can affect PSA and the aging process (lot of that going around) can elevate PSA. And then there’s cancer. . . .
It’s not fun to hear about medical issues (or non-issues). But I believe it is important to my brethren (and the brethren of my sisthren) to know about these two new means for detecting prostate cancer.
Prior to 1988, prostate cancer was diagnosed by palpitation of lumps or hard nodules. Then a biopsy. Or – a man would develop chronic back pain (and then be diagnosed). In 1990, the PSA test became widely used. But elevated PSA often resulted in unnecessary biopsies – or surgery. It is only in the last couple years that new diagnostic tools have been developed: 4K and contrast dye MRI’s. Thank heaven for modern medicine. . . . .
Thanks, Scott.
Don
Don Fagerberg, Founder *Ministry Mentors* * enhances the professional effectiveness of active clergy, strengthens their personal and spiritual health, and affirms their gifts for ministry.* http://www.ministrymentors.org Phone: 847-804-1644
NOTICE: This e-mail is from Ministry Mentors and is intended solely for the use of the individual(s) to whom it is addressed. If you believe you received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender immediately, delete the e-mail from your computer, and do not copy or disclose it to anyone else. If you properly received this e-mail you should maintain its contents in confidence in order to preserve the clergy-client, work product privilege, or other applicable privileges that may be available to protect confidentiality.
On Sat, Jun 3, 2017 at 10:26 PM, Renaissance Hombre wrote:
> scottpetersen posted: “In my post of January 10, 2016, I spoke of issues > relating to my elevated PSA (“prostate specific antigen”). Past tests have > been negative. But the PSA numbers continued to remain high. My urologist > at the University of Chicago suggested a brand new te” >