Sometimes a free PSA test can help distinguish between BPH and prostate
cancer.   I free PSA percentage over 25 percent makes the former likely
and may reduce the need for repeated biopsies.  But a PSA of 17, if it
persists, is pretty high for BPh, if I understand the subject correctly.

It is also possible you have a small prostate cancer in the so-called
transition zone closer to the  urethra.  Usually biopsies concentrate on
the peripheral zone near the prostate capsule since that is where the
great bulk of the cancers arise.   There are also advanced techniques of
imaging which a few urologists use in cases like your where it difficult
to find anything.

I am 57 and about tree or four years ago I had my regular PSA test and it
was about 15. I have an enlarged prostrate so some of the high number is
from that but I was sent for a biopsy and it turned out negative. My doctor
put me on hormones and the numbers didn't go down so he sent me to a
specialist and the first thing he did was take me off of the hormones and in
for an other biopsy which was negative again. I go for PSA tests every 6
months and they are always high sometimes in the twenties or thirties. I
have had one other biopsy and it was also negative. My PSA was up to 60 at
one time because I was in the hospital for something else and had a
catheter(sp) and the specialist said it was from the catheter. I asked about
furthur biopsys and he said as long as the numbers stay around the same he
will watch and then make a call if they change. He said if we keep having
biopsys we will end up taking out the prostrate in little pieces.  I read
this news group alot and am always reading anything new I find, and I feel
fine with what my doctor is telling me.

Spud

Bob,

Without a diagnosis, that's a pretty difficult question.  If you don't have
any prostate cancer, then your PSA is rising due to one of a couple other
prostate problems.  If you are otherwise asymptomatic, then you have no
choice but to worry about cancer.

I would recommend you go for a 20-needle biopsy.  Ten is kinda low in any
case and I would think very low for a second biopsy.

Any chance that you served in the USA military when you were young? If so
march your butt down to the nearest VA hospital and have them do your
testing, biopsies, etc. If you need more info just ask.
Bev