Biopsy harmful?

Written by

Mon, April 02, 2007

I am 51 years old and in excellent health. My father had prostate cancer in his mid 60s. My PSA is very low, 0.5, but in a DRE my doctor detected that one side of my prostate was larger than the other. I have no symptoms whatsoever and enjoy an active and fulfilling sexual relationship. He recommends a biopsy as soon as possible. I have concerns. I have no fear of any temporary pain or discomfort of the procedure itself. My concern is that I find it hard to believe that poking multiple holes in the prostate does not in some way inflame, irritate, weaken or damage it in some way. This procedure is scheduled for tomorrow, so any quick advice would be much appreciated.

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Docmarcg

4/ 9/07 9:57pm

I agree that a nodule needs to be investigated with a biopsy. No study has shown that a biopsy will cause long injury such as cancer spread, scarring or prolonged infection. Good luck with your biopsy.
Dr. Greenstein

Pete

4/20/07 7:06am

Tom How did you get on? I have a high PSA and an enlarged prostate which apparently fell normal via DRE. Today my urologist is urging me to have a biopsy. From what I have read about prostate cancer, PSA, and biopsy I am incline to disregard the whole lot and get on with my life. I'm 58. best wishes to you and best of luck Peter Kline buzzword@hkstar.com

wuwei37405

5/ 4/07 7:43pm

you are not going to get a usable answer. like everything else to do with prostate cancer you ae going to find conflicting opinions. some doctors say that biopsies are safe; some say that they can actually spead the cancer and/or damage the prostate. impossible to get a definite opinion that yu can take to the bank.

5/15/07 11:33am

I recently watched (on the nightly news) and read that most biopsy are unnecessary -- but, for the most part, not harmful. A urologist scheduled one for me, but after researching it further, I eventually declined. The particular urologist is known for over-recommeding them. Must be alucrative procedure for them. The news reported noted that they can be extremely painful as well -- and that within 18 months a new, less-intrusive and extreme procedure will be available for men.

Biopsy harmful?

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