PSA of 12.7 MRI Clear

I really would suggest having the biopsy. My MRI was clear, too, but the biopsy found cancer. It's the only way to be sure.

Chris

Thanks Chris

I cant begin to tell you how much you have helped, my Consultant and his staff have been fantastic but I think first hand experience from those who have had to go through this minefield is invaluable.I'll be sure to post the results and in the meantime all the best to you and yours

Merlin

All the best

Merlin

The problem with TRUS biopsies, I have learned during a very steep learning curve since last November, is that some men have that test, and then because of indeterminate findings, have to go on to have a template biopsy as well.

Two friends separately warned me, with the words: “Don’t let them palm you off with a TRUS biopsy”, as they had both had had one and ended up with a template biopsy as well in the end. And when on the ward recovering from my template, there was a guy with severe cancer who had had to have a second one as well.

This forum is littered with similar comments about double biopsies, when one would have probably been enough if it was a template.

The TRUS biopsy is favoured by the NHS as it is relatively cheap and quick, and much cheaper than a template under general anaesthetic. I must admit, although I turned down a TRUS based on the advice above, my tumour was so large the it would have been detected in a TRUS, as it was evident on the MRI scan.

Another friend with BUPA insurance went straight for a template biopsy, and TRUS was never mentioned!

However, in marginal cases such as yours, where you may or not have a big problem, best to go for the “Gold Standard” test as outlined by the oncology consultant in the video.

Let’s hope it’s all a false alarm!

Cheers, John

Because in Merlin’s case the raised PSA is of such concern that his consultant has recommended a biopsy although nothing was evident on MRI, so why go for the one the top specialist in Britain in the video described “as bad as we thought it was”?

You are yet another case in point. If you had had a targeted biopsy in the first place you would not have had a second.

Anyway, best of luck to everyone, and as I say these days, keep breathing!

Cheers, John

If no suspicious areas are seen on an MRI but significant cancer is suspected, a TRUS biopsy is like sticking maybe 12 needles in a haphazard way into a plum, (in this case a rather large one), and hoping one or more of these needles takes a core showing any significant cancer. If cancer is found it does not show how extensive it is. Furthermore, if no cancer is found it does not mean that there is none. There is also a greater risk of a UTI. So this could prove quite unhelpful in your case.

With a Template biopsy, if no significant cancer is found in the many cores that are taken using a grid, the high probability is that only insignificant cancer is present, if at all.

Certainly, the Template biopsy is more involved and is normally done under anaesthesia (which I would recommend), although occasionally is done under an epidural. I would only want the TRUS one where the MRI showed a very suspect area to target.

Incidentally, I have had both types of biopsy and am due to have another template one next month due to low but persistent rise in PSA following HIFU in 2015 as salvage treatment for failed RT. In my case there is a slightly suspicious area but the Template biopsy should show how relevant this is for further treatment or perhaps whether PSA rise is down to insignificant tumours.

Edited by member 26 Sep 2018 at 22:56  | Reason: Not specified

I wish you well and a speedy recovery from your op

Kind regards

Merlin