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first biopsy results

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Posted 9/4/2015 2:19 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all im a new member

Have a family history of PC so I have been PSA screened since I was 35. This year it jumped up to a 4.1 (from 2.5) so I was re screened a few weeks later and it was 3.9. had another screen 3 weeks later and it was 4.0 so I had a Biopsy. I had 12 cores taken all negative for cancer but 1 core was positive for a-typical cells. Now I need another Biopsy in 3 months to target that area.

I dont have to many details about it as I did not know what to ask for I do think I have a good Dr so no real concerns there I just had prepped myself for a yes or no answer and I feel like I got a maybe.

This seems like a great site and resource.
Posted 9/4/2015 2:31 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome...while sorry you need to be here, you have found a great resource for both knowledge and support. A very diverse group!

Kudos to you for being pro-active in the screening! Just continue to monitor, and if it comes to that point, please be sure to get 2nd and 3rd opinions. I'm sure your doctor is great, but it never hurts to get multiple perspective, especially dealing with this.

Again, welcome and look forward to following your story, which i'm sure will have a good ending!
Posted 9/4/2015 3:27 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome to HW.

I can understand your concern since you have a family history, but a second biopsy in three months seems a bit soon. Did your doctor give a reason for going back that fast?

We're here most days if you have questions or just want to vent.

Keep us updated on your progress,
Andrew
Posted 9/4/2015 3:30 PM (GMT 0)
He said the presence of a-typical cells is often a sign something is around there so he wants to go into target that area. Seems to mesh with what I have been able to google about them.
Posted 9/4/2015 3:33 PM (GMT 0)
While not an expert on this, a second biopsy seems unusual so soon afterwards. I'd be interested in what others say. BTW, you say you started PSA testing at 35. How old are you now?

Most important, I hope you're not a member of the club and you're just passing through. Good luck to you.
Posted 9/4/2015 4:20 PM (GMT 0)
I am 45. Not sure why its so soon but I do know when I looked around on the internet I saw similar results when this happens.
Posted 9/4/2015 4:28 PM (GMT 0)
I am not saying you shouldn't or don't need another biopsy. It's just three months seems very aggressive. You'll have barely healed from the first one. I was wondering what your doctor was seeing that made him want to move this fast. I'd think a PSA test in three months and a second biopsy in six months or a year would be more what I'd expect in a case like yours.

But, I am not a doctor, just some random guy on the internet.

Keep us updated on your progress,
Andrew
Posted 9/4/2015 5:42 PM (GMT 0)
If you have a second biopsy, you should ask for an MRI Guided biopsy, if a 3T (advanced imaging) biopsy is available in your area, rather than a ultra sound guided biopsy. The MRI would identify "areas of interest" and those areas if any, would be targeted for additional samples to be taken.
Posted 9/4/2015 6:05 PM (GMT 0)
Atypical cells is a very common finding. I agree that 3 months is too soon, given the negative biopsy and young age.

Instead, there are a couple of inexpensive (insurance covered) biochemical tests you can get that may either put your mind at rest or confirm suspicions that a second biopsy may be needed. The two tests are Prostate Health Index (PHI) a blood test, and PCA3, a urine test after prostate massage.

For PHI, you have to visit a special physician who offers it. Call at the link below to get a list of physicians in your area:

Prostate Health Index (PHI)

- Allen
Posted 9/4/2015 9:24 PM (GMT 0)
It took 3 biopsies to find mine....OUCH !! And yes, the second one turned up some atypical cells which put my urologist on the alert...But another biopsy in 3 months is pushing it..Your poor prostate and rectum will just barely be healed up from the first one.....If you can get the 3T MRI scan, and it locates a suspicious area, then maybe only 3 or 4 samples will be necessary, not the 12 that are normal....This would save a lot of wear and tear on your body....
Posted 9/7/2015 8:28 PM (GMT 0)
I was thinking getting back in quick is a good thing as I would rather find things sooner than later. For now I have no reason to question my Dr he has been great. I go back in Dec 5th my last one was 10 days ago
Posted 9/7/2015 11:07 PM (GMT 0)
I would look into the MRI guided biopsy. It is a lot more accurate targeting an area that looks suspicious. I would also see with your Dr. if pushing the biopsy out 6 months would be OK to let your prostate heal.
Posted 9/8/2015 2:43 AM (GMT 0)
I agree with Pratoman and the others that you should consider a 3T MRI, and then a fusion-guided biopsy ONLY if the MRI indicates suspicious areas. The ability of that MRI to spot PCa is now over 97 percent.

Your doctor may be a great guy and competent at his specialty, but prostate cancer is unlike others, and the presence of cancer may not warrant radical intervention.

That said, your age and family history would merit the extra caution that you are showing.

But, even if and when you have a definite finding of PCa, do yourself a favor and consult with multiple specialists and solicit as much advice as you need before deciding on a course of action.
Posted 9/8/2015 3:30 AM (GMT 0)
So my husband had a similar biopsy and his uro said we should just watch and wait, which we did. Eighteen months later he had a second biopsy and at that point 5/12 showed adenocarcinoma. That's when we consulted and went for surgery. His urologist had him take a PSA every six months and the numbers actually went down before going up. Three months is too soon to attack your prostate again, get another opinion, preferably in a clinic or hospital that has a superior reputation in prostate cancer.
Posted 9/8/2015 3:30 PM (GMT 0)
What would it change if he pokes ya again in 3 mos. And a small amount of G6 does come back?

Not much.

I'd wait.
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