Prostate Mass

PSA over the past 3 years has ranged from 4 to 8.  First Biopsy results

indicated cancer in 1 core with 3+4 gleason.  Second Biopsy one year later

results found no cancer cells but a mass.   I am scheduled for discussion

on treatment options.   What exactly does the finding of a mass with no

detection of cancer cells mean?   What questions should I be asking the

Doctor?   How do you treat a mass with no detectable cancer cells?

Any input would be helpful.   Thanks...

Thanks for your reply.  My age is 65 and I have been using the VA.

I have never seen a specialist urologist but always deal with either

Nurse Practicioners or Resident Doctors.  The biopsies have been

down by two different resident doctors. 

neg, if cancer cells were found in only one core then it sounds like cancer is not widespread but there may be more than one small area of cancer. In my case, the prostate was badly enlarged and I had one core positive. I opted for surgery figuring that the enlargement would cause me some problems in the not too distant future and the biopsy samples would be spread out over a larger area so maybe the one positive sample didn't tell the whole story. Two different doctors felt a lump so I figured something not good was going on. The post surgery report showed two cancerous areas, one was missed in the first biopsy. My situation has some similarities to yours so perhaps it will give you a little food for thought.

If you were in Vietnam make sure you apply for VA disability for your prostate cancer. I use the VA and my hospital has a bunch of competent urologists. Tell them you want to see a urologist.