Notification

Error

Opinions on diagnostic procedure

User
Posted 23 Jun 2026 at 18:57

Hi, I'm a 65 year old man, who is being investigated for prostate cancer. The story starts with me developing pulsatile tinnitus in my right ear, going to the GP, who took bloods and also gave me a DRE. The bloods showed I have mild Normocytic Anaemia. He flagged up that my prostate was moderately enlarged, which I already knew from a previous DRE many years before, but also said he thought one side was firmer than the other. He referred me to Urology where I saw a clinical nurse specialist, who gave me another DRE, and took blood for a PSA test. She said she thought my prostate was enlarged but felt ok to her. PSA came back as 3.9, so she recommended an MRI which I had two weeks ago. I just spoke to her today about the MRI result, and she said that there is a 23mm x 14mm lesion on one side of my prostate, completely contained. My bones and lymph nodes are completely normal. She thinks the lesion is very likely benign but wants me to have a biopsy done. My prostate is 66cl in volume and she said she would accept a PSA of up to 8 or 9 as normal for that size. I worked out that my PSAD is 0.059, which is considered 'very low and favourable' with a 'very low risk of clinically significant prostate cancer'.

My question is should I have the Biopsy done? I'm thinking yes just to make sure, or is it a waste of time? Can the biopsy create problems that aren't already there? I'm aware of a risk of infection - how likely is that?

User
Posted 23 Jun 2026 at 22:12

Hi, mitchino 

Welcome to the forum. 

I don't know if you've read what our site says about biopsies:

https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/prostate-tests/prostate-biopsy

Like any surgical procedure there can be risks. Most men just seem to find prostate biopsies uncomfortable and a bit embarrassing. Many find they get blood in their semen for a while after, but serious complications seem very rare.

If I were in your position, just for peace of mind, I'd have a biopsy. 

Best of luck, whether you have one, or you don't. 👍

Edited by member 24 Jun 2026 at 09:34  | Reason: Typo

User
Posted 24 Jun 2026 at 11:18

Hi, I was in a similar position to you a few months ago. MRI scan showed two areas of concern that they wanted to biopsy. I was given a choice I guess but it was more or less a case of it needs checking out so we are booking you in.

My biopsy was transrectal which means everything is done with a probe and little sampling head popped up the back passage. I had it done without a general anaesthetic as its quicker to get out of hospital. Honestly, it was very easy, yep a bit of embarrassment but it was nothing near as bad as I'd built myself up for.

They gave me strong antibiotics before the op to deal with any potential infection and I had no issues at all.

Yes there is blood in your pee for a couple of days and blood in your semen for a lot longer because you dont flush it out as quickly as peeing all the time. It looks scary having rusty coloured come, but it really is nothing and it will go away.

There is a method called transperineal which has needles inserted from outside the body. But you still have the sane sized ultrasound probe up your bottom to guide the needles. So you dont escape that part of the procedure.

I would definitely have the biopsy done, Mine came back negative so it put my mind at rest pretty much. The only fly in my ointment was that they only took three samples from each area and none at all from apparently healthy tissue. That's the NICE guidelines. But many guys on here say the suspicious areas were clear and seemingly healthy areas came back positive. Im pushing for another biopsy on the 12 month anniversary to check healthy areas as there is some doubt in my mind,  plus my older brother has just been diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic PCa which is terminal. 

Get them to do as many samples as they can while they are up there, just to be sure. 

Best regards Mick 

User
Posted 24 Jun 2026 at 11:32
Thanks for this info, will ask them about intended sample count and relay those concerns you've highlighted. I'm having the transrectal. Bit annoying as they've delayed the biopsy as I'm going on holiday next week, in case I develop an infection. So I will have to wait three weeks for test, then several more for results. But the clinical nurse specialist was very reassuring on the phone about my case, she thinks it's highly unlikely that I have a malignancy.
 
Forum Jump  
©2026 Prostate Cancer UK