Resolved question:
in 2006 i consulted a urologist due to some problems i was having (i was 33 years old at the time) : irritated urethra, and dull testicular pain (left testicle). we tried several medications but with no luck. std test came back negative. the urologist ruled out prostate cancer via the touch test (which i've had conducted on several occasions due to a work requirement - in 2004 and 2008 - also negative). also in 2006, an ultrasound of my pelvic and testicle area was conducted and found epididymitis in the left testicle. since then i will occasionally have recurring the dull testicular pain (again left testicle).
in 2011 and again in april 2013 i had full abdominal ultrasounds conducted (to check the status of a different issue - fatty liver - non alchohol related). the 2011 ultrasound found that i had an enlarged prostate measuring 4.6x4.3x4.3 cms (both ultrasounds were done in latin america), with a volume of 47 cc. the ultrasound report concluded i had slight prostate hypertrophy and insignificant residual urine.
in 2013 i had the second ultrasound conducted (again to monitor the fatty liver). this ultrasound found that prostate measured 3.4x4.5x3.6 cm and found 11 percent residual urine (this ultrasound was conducted in latin america as well but at a different clinic and read by a different radiologist - both physicians). the report concluded that i had hypertrophy of the prostate, grade 1 with a weight of 29.7 gr.
(note: both radiologist (2011 and 2013) advised this enlargement was common issue. ALSO, during this period 2012-2013 i started noticing some residual urine. urine stream is fine and i don't have any problems with starting nor frequency. its more like a noticeable amount remains in the urethra beyond several drops of urine. its now 6-8 drops, whereas before it was perhaps 2-4.)
recently (after returning to the u.s. on a semi-permanent basis) i went to see a General Practitioner for an overall health check up. during the visit i mentioned the above (but did not have the specifics in terms of reports or prostate size). i mentioned to the GP that i was experiencing some discomfort in the left testicle area and explained the epididimytis. when i mentioned the 2011-2013 ultrasounds he advised that this was an area requiring further explorations. he conducted a urine test that came back negative for infection and also conducted a touch test of the prostate which he claimed felt normal. he explained that an enlarged prostate for someone my age was unusual (i'm 41 now) and asked whether i wanted a PSA test done. which i said yes as a precaution. he advised that if the psa test came back above 4, we would need to consider a rectal ultrasound and further tests to rule out cancer. the psa blood work is still pending.
at the time the visit didn't concern me, but as i give it more thought i'm getting a bit unsettled. so the questions: experience has taught me that such medical areas are sometimes best left to a specialist such as a urologist? i've read the psa test is a mixed bag and i would hate to get a result that serves only to further confuse the issue. i've read that a benign enlarged prostate can cause the psa test to produce a higher number? given my age, should i be concerned that this condition will worsen? i've read that a benign enlarged prostate (assuming this i my situation) does not increase the chance of future prostate cancer? assuming the prostate measurements in the 2011-2013 tests were accurate, what is the significance that the 2013 ultrasound reflects (what appears to be a) a reduced size (assuming i'm reading this correctly)?
i plan to contact the gp at the earliest opportunity to provide him the specific information from the 2011-2013 ultrasounds to see if this has any bearing on my situation. in the meantime, your service will have to suffice.
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Urologist
Hello,
Thank you for choosing DoctorSpring
Apologies for the delay in my reply.
You NEED NOT worry about this prostate swelling found in the ultrasound. This highly unlikely to be cancer or anything serious. Even though enlarged prostates are not as common elderly when compared to individuals at 40s, it sure can occur.
In you case there could some prostatitis (inflammation of prostate) which is causing this. You have been under followup since 2006 and there was no alarming changes. (no increase in size or no related symptoms). A PSA test is not need in my opinion. And yes it can lead on to confusion as the false positive rate is high. I guess you have a Urologist consultation pending. So do followup with your Doctor. Meanwhil you can ask for clarification/ followup questions here
Thank you
Hope this helps
thank you for the response. in fact the psa test came back with a score? of .07 which i was advised would not require any additional cancer related testing. a doctor friend of mine (radiologist) mentioned prostatitis or recurring epdidimytis. the friend also mentioned the possibility of testing for candida. in any event, i plan to follow-up with a urologist. in any event, i'm relieved. thanks you.
That's good news. So nothing to worry
Unless there are any symptoms you should forget about your prostate !
Do no worry about enlargement and other possibilities. Your body's immunity can take care of that.
Wish you good health
Thank you