Saturation biopsy

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User

Posted 01 Jun 2017 at 12:07

Hello all, new to this but help needed. Had blood tests with increased PVA but unfortunately did not note them. Had DRE and very enlarged prostate found then went to urolgy for another DRE and ultrasound and then MRI, was put on Tamsulosin after this. Had letter back within two days to go in for a Trus biopsy a week later. Had this two days ago but instead of the 10-12 shots I see most people have I had 22, I have searched this and found it is called a saturation biopsy. Anyone had experience of this, does it mean things are bad? The Consultant said "an anomly" had showed up on MRI so that is why the biopsy was needed. Now waiting for results which will be within 1-2 weeks and worrying. Any help/views appreciated.

Thanks

User

Posted 01 Jun 2017 at 16:45

It may simply be that your urologist prefers to take more cores from all the men he assesses; or it could be that the suspect area is in a difficult to reach place. It is also more common to have a saturation biopsy when the prostate is very enlarged because the risk of missing the cancerous area and getting a false result is much greater. Biopsy is like sticking a needle into a fruit cake and hoping to spear a cherry, so the bigger the cake the more needles you might need!

The anomaly is concerning but try to remember that while a scan can pick up a suspicious area it can't tell the difference between tumour, infection and bruising. The uro will use the scans to target the suspicious area for additional cores. If you do have prostate cancer, taking the extra cores will also help the specialists to map the exact position, how close to the edge it may be, etc

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User

Posted 01 Jun 2017 at 18:29

Times seems to have changed the number taken. In 2004 I had first 8 then 10 samples. Just had another biopsy with MRI clear and small gland, they took 14 (7 each side) samples. Talking to guy yesterday who had biopsy at the same time as me he had 16 and he is on Active Survilence. So I think it's more down to new ways of doing it than anything to be concerned about..

Ray

User

Posted 01 Jun 2017 at 19:42

Ouch
Well done to you ! Yes it's not pleasant I know because I had two TRUS and a template biopsy , but to be honest the more samples they can risk via rectum the better. Gives them the best results obviously. Waiting is horrible. We all know waiting I'm afraid. I'm still waiting 2 yrs post operation. Sending you best wishes

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