Waiting biopsy results

Totally agree with the above. Once the procedure has started it makes very little difference whether it is 6 or 12 samples. It isn't all that bad I promise you. I ended up having 3 separate biopsies so the more they do in one go the better. Best wishes to you
Chris

Got my biopsy results today. As expected I do have PC but not as bad as was expected based on the DRE and MRI scan images indicated which has surprised both me and the consultant.

PSA: 1.4

Gleason Score: 3 + 3 = 6

T Stage: T2 localised in center of RH side about 5% 

1 of 12 samples affected (1%)

Prostate Size/Weight: 60g (or should that be 60 ml?)

The MRI scan indicated the localised area but also showed a grey area along the back wall on the inside face which was also felt during the DRE as being firm, uneven with ridges but it has come out as being totally benign which has totally confused and mystified the consultant.

Based on the DRE and MRI scans I was expecting automatic removal, subject to it having been still contained. However, now the way to proceed is unclear?

I don't like the thought of having any cancerous tissue in my body and the instinct is to just get rid of it but having helped a friend though this last year I know only too well the implications that go with removal.

At the moment I have been offered:

1. Surgery (radical prostatectomy)

2. External Beam Radiotherapy ( EBRT) with/without Hormone Therapy

3. Active Surveillance

At this stage the consultant would be happy to simply the remove prostate but thinks the way forward is to do repeat PSA tests in 3 and 6 months with another MRI scan at the 6 month interval. Subject to what the PSA levels and MRI images reveal make a decision at the 6 month interval as to whether to have a template biopsy? If the PSA levels shoot up then clearly the matter must be reviewed. 

However, based on my previous PSA scores measuring it cannot necessarily be relied on as at 1.4 it is well below the level that most GP's think you have a problem and since I do have PC my PSA level has not been much good as an early indicator of having PC or potentially any possible change in it? Whilst the DRE has clearly shown abnormality fortunately in my case it appears to be benign.

So I am in a bit of a quandary at the moment. Not knowing how long the existing PC has been present it's difficult to know if this is a case that one can simply Actively Surveillance for the next 3 to 6 months or should one just simply get rid of now?

I do have concerns that the traumer of the biopsies may/will accelerate and spread of what may have been a very slow growing PC into faster growing or will start/transfer cells in other parts of the prostate or body?

Edited by member 17 Nov 2015 at 18:46  | Reason: Not specified

Hi Polarbear2

Thanks for the reply, which was not at all long winded. It does however, highlight just how potentially uncertain the current processes differ between site and how the results are interpreted. What was done at Bradford that was different from your local hospital? Did you have different biopsies there? It certainly seems in your case that seeking a second view/opinion was a very wise position.

In my case I only have the local hospital available and have to trust that despite the DRE and MRI indicating PC at the rear wall that from the biopsies it is benign, I would hope they can't get that so wrong? If I have template biopsies, 20 to 50 needles, that would be done at a different site but that could not be done for several weeks to give time for the prostate to recover the current trauma. Apparently my case will be reviewed by the Urology team tomorrow so must hope that if there is a level of uncertainty that further tests will be sought without delay?

I would not wish to go the radiotherapy route as the first option because as you have indicated you can't then have surgery. Surgery, in my opinion, would seem to be the only clear way for removal but at a cost. You do then still have the radiotherapy route still open to you. 

Two weeks on I still have a few problems from the biopsies and certainly do not look forward to more but if that is the only certain way to get the full picture then so be it.

I am sure that you have made the right decision and trust that your recovery will be both quick and successful and at least it is now behind you. 

Edited by member 17 Nov 2015 at 23:10  | Reason: Not specified

It is rare for me to say this but I would be so concerned about that grey area and ridged feeling that I would find it hard to trust the biopsy result I am afraid. A doctor's instinct coupled with a good old fashioned hands-on assessment seems more reliable than sticking a pin in the fruit cake and hoping to spear the cherry.

hi rudge
it is going to be a tough a choice which ever you choose, wish I could you give you some pointers as how different options affect us, but like a few on here am in the wrong camp, sometimes wonder if its the best one as I don't have decisions to make,
but whatever you choose it WILL be the correct for you

regards
nidge