Biopsy

[child24angel]

Can someone please shed some light on a biopsy?

The PSA 6 months ago was 4.9
Last week is 5.7.

The urologist scheduled a biopsy in two weeks, without doing a DRE.

The doctor said a biopsy is the only way
to know what is going on.

Needless to say this is for my friend (hubby).

I know very little , a biopsy will give a Gleason score correct? Then go from there.

Thank you in advance
Elaine

[curmudgen]

  I did not know that your father had prostate cancer. How was that determined if he hasn't had a biopsy?  Was it previously treated and what were the PSA readings at that time? Usually the problem with having a biopsy to determine whether or not ones has cancer or not is that it may lead to unnecessary surgery and that could lead to more side effects than living with a slow growing tumor.  Most men, even with a slight increase in their PSA do not die of prostate cancer, they die with some cancer in their prostate.  A border line PSA between 4-10 doesn't mean you have cancer....the biggest indicator is the velocity of change in the PSA reading over time.  Watchful waiting is a choice one can make as is the decision to have a biopsy.  Since learning your father has prostate cancer my initial comments don't apply in his case.  

[child24angel]

Thank you for your reply.

Age 58
Father had prostate cancer.
No sex, no bike rides , etc.
Is an alcoholic , many years.

I will read the book.

Please , may I ask why you're not in favor of a biopsy?

Thank you kindly
Elaine

[curmudgen]

There are many reasons for a slight increase in PSA readings.... recent sex, resent bike ride, infection and of course age....  how old is he?  family history?  previous PSA readings and exams?  Of course the Urologist wants to do a biopsy, that's how they make their money!  A biopsy can be a double edged sword....miss a region that has a tumor, gleason score could be ambiguous and create additional worries, low reading no gurantee it isn't a rapidly growing tumor.   Read the book - "invasion of the prostate snatchers"....very informative.