Psa and biopsy

[rickkey]

Should I get a Mri -s of my prostate before biopsy to better target areas for needle hanks 65 yo psa history
2006     2.1
2007     2.7
2009     2.5
2010     2.5
2011     3.5

[alphadave]

I would get a second opinion before getting a biopsy.

[curmudgen]

You just proved my point about Urologists wanting to do biopsies and those raised by the authors of the book and articles I suggested you read....you haven't had the biopsy yet and you are discussing options for treating prostate cancer.  Imagine after the results come back with a Gleason score that is ambiguous - imagine what decisions you will be contemplating.  Ignorance isn't bliss but over 95% of men do not die of prostate cancer.  

[rickkey]

Thanks I got another psa and a free psa .  Results psa 3.7 and free psa 17%.  Psa up again and free psa should be 25% or higher. Not good enough to say no to biopsy. Scheduled for wed.  With agleason of 7 what option did you take radical,seeds, radiation or other. And what was result and perminent side effects Thanks rickkey

[freeofcancer]

you are 65 years old and age does matter when it comes to treatment. I am 56 years old and had a biopsy that determined that I had a 7 Gleason score with a 3.8 PSA. 3 doctors determined that my prostate had a hard spot on checkup..

you need to trust your doctor regarding the biopsy procedure. it is not fun, but i recommend that you get one. get some sort of mild anesthesia for the procedure as it might not be very pleasant to you. i would not do anything different.

[curmudgen]

Enlarged prostate can be due to many factors...age, infection and cancer.... The grey zone is from 4-10 where most confusion occurs as to what to do next. Over 90% of men will die of something else than prostate cancer even those with a higher than "normal" PSA.  Over the past 12 years my PSA has gone up slowly from about 2 to 6.5 with a little enlargement and no lumps.  NYTimes had a series on prostate health about 2 years ago...great series of articles....suggest homework...very individual decision that we have to make...

[rickkey]

Urologist wants biopsy Prostate is enlarged but is within size for age,no lumps. I will try to find book. Read where a one year change over 0.7 is of concern. Has yours changed over these years by the 0.7  your opinion thanks I have concern over biopsy myself.

[curmudgen]

Found the title - "Invasion of the Prostate Snatchers: No More Unnecessary Biopsies, Radical Treatment or Loss of Sexual Potency"

[curmudgen]

why are you doing a biopsy?  Is prostate enlarged?  any lumps? You have a slow rise of PSA levels over 5 years......only begin to worry if number doubles in short period of time.  I would suggest doing some research before doing a biopsy.  Don't ask for trouble when you don't need to.  My number haas been hovering about 6.5 for 5 years - wouldn't think of a biopsy.  There is a book that came out last year discussing prostate surgery pros and cons...written by a doctor and a patient.  very informative...sorry I forgot the title.