I am a mess

I have responded on your other thread- generally, it is not helpful to have two threads running at the same time but you have provided additional info here so I am responding to that.

A GP cannot diagnose prostate cancer - that can only be done with a biopsy. However, he has felt lumps which are unlikely to be anything other than cancer. What he should have said is that he suspects you have locally advanced prostate cancer - locally advanced means that it has broken out of the gland.

Edited by member 13 Nov 2021 at 20:12  | Reason: Not specified

Chris and Lyn have given you good advice you need biopsy results to be given a accurate diagnosis it's tough but it's a waiting game I am afraid 

Generally you'll first have an MRI scan. If the scan shows areas of suspicion you'll then have a biopsy. If the biopsy finds cancer cells you'll have a bone scan to see if it's spread to the bones (which, with your PSA it almost certainly hasn't, but it is a standard test). Each test usually takes a couple of weeks to report on, so unfortunately it all takes time.

Once all the test results are in, all the information will be discussed by experts in all the relevant fields at a weekly multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting, and it's only at that point that treatment recommendations will be made.

About half of men in their 50s do have prostate cancer, by the way. I was diagnosed at the age of 55 in 2018. Three years on and I'm all treated and good to go.

Best wishes,

Chris

Hi,

A psa of 7.9 isn't high and as said by others you need to get the complete diagnosis done.   Prostate Cancer, if it is that, is usually slow growing and there are several treatments with more being approved as time goes on.   

People often think the worst and diagnosis is a worrying time.  Survival can be many years with what is termed advanced cases.   I think your GP was wrong to say you are advanced anyway and also wrong to say you have cancer.  Theoretically a person with a raised psa at 7.9 is more likely not to have cancer.   Although the finger examination might indicate there is something wrong that might make it more likely.  There is no real evidence until the biopsy is done.  Until then it's a possibility.

In reality the whole thing is based on probability.  Even the biopsy isn't always right although if some is found it can be said you have got it.   Read up about the treatments as there are quite a few and people debate which is better for them.

All the best,
Peter