Changes in prostate-specific antigen and prostatic acid phosphatase concentration following prostatic examination in benign prostatic hypertrophy and prostate cancer patients.

The authors measured serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and prostatic acid phosphatase concentration in histologically positive prostate hyperplastic and carcinomatous patients before, and 30-60 min and 24 h after prostate manipulation (rectal digital examination, cystoscopy and perineal punch biopsy). After rectal examination, PSA, and after other interventions, both markers changed significantly, although in different points of time and to a different extent. The authors call the attention to the importance of the point of time of the examination. Examination following prostate manipulation may result in wrong diagnosis or in erroneous therapeutic consequences in the follow-up period.