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Originally Posted by CTgolfer
We are delighted to be owners in TV for the past 3 years. Prior to moving here, our GP in NY did an PSA test. Since we have been in TV, none of the GP's do this test. What have other experienced? Do we need to use a urologist to do the PSA test? If so, any recommendations for a good urologist are welcome.
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Over the past couple of years there have been articles in the newspaper stating that PSA tests are of little value, if any. They claim that prostate exams don't save lives when compared to groups of men who never get tested. One problem with the PSA test is that there are too many false positives and false positives lead to needless (invasive) biopsies.
There's a tendency toward over treating. Let's say you get a PSA test that is positive and calls for a biopsy. The biopsy then reveals the presence of cancer. Many men choose to get it treated, even though the cancer may be the type that is slow growing and never would kill them.
First of all, the biopsies cause scaring and can lead to problems like infection. Some doctors have even stated that biopsies can spread the cancer because of the needle being inserted and the presence of bleeding. Then cancer treatments can cause all kinds of damage leading to incontinence and erectile dysfunction.
The bottom line is that they have determined that PSA tests do more harm than good. They rarely say anything about the value of digital exams. Digital exams only work when the cancer is advanced. In that case, I suppose some kind of treatment is justified.
If you ask a urologist if a PSA test is a good idea, of course they will say yes. A good portion of their income comes from PSA tests and biopsies, not to mention needless operations.