atypical prostate biopsy

I am 46 years old and I had a grandfather that died of prostate cancer. I had some discomfort in my lower abdomen so I decided to go to a urologist. They did a complete work up on me and my PSA was 3.5 and was only 1.6 the previous year in may at my general practioner and 1.7 in september. My free prostate level was 11 according to the urologist. They also did a DRE and found a growth or nodule on my prostate. With my history they wanted to do a prostate biopsy. The report read that 4 of the 12 samples came back atypical and now they want to do a repeat biopsy in 6 weeks. What does all this mean and what should I expect?

Are my chances high to have cancer?

I went through the same diagnosis 2 years ago when I turned 50 years old, with no family hx of PCa, 1 out of 10 initial biopsy samples came back atypical. As mentioned this means the sample could not be called positive or negative, but some abnormal cells seen. My PSA never went above 0.85, but I had a positive DRE. I also went back in 6 weeks later for another biopsy but this time I was put under general anethesia and had 22 template core biopsies completed. The result was 1 out of the 22 came back positive for PC. Ten weeks later I went in for a RALP and have been PCa free since on all further follow-ups.

If possible I would see if you can have a template biopsy performed, ask your Urologist if they do that type of testing. You can also send your slides for a second opinion, but in my case they came back with the same results. Good luck with your PCa journey, let us know how you are doing and if you need anyone to talk with, many helpful PCa brothers on this site!