Tag: biopsy

As far as we know, no one has yet come up with a better mousetrap. This is also true of screening tests for prostate cancer (PCa). As everyone knows, the current PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood test is not specific for PCa. It only registers increased activity/irritation of the gland. Yes, it could mean cancer, keep reading

Let’s say a real estate investor buys a dilapidated house, intending to tear it down and develop the property with a larger, up-to-date home. Since the house will be demolished, the investor decides to skip going through the rooms for an on-site inspection. If any furnishings were left behind, when the bulldozers come to do keep reading

“…any energy source can be applied to the super-active surveillance concept allowing more men to consider a tissue-preserving therapy for prostate cancer.” – Corradi et al. 2019[i] Thanks to a growing recognition among professionals that clinically insignificant PCa may never become life-threatening, a larger percentage of low-risk PCa patients are starting their treatment journey with keep reading

Can you imagine having a PSA higher than 100–four prostate biopsies don’t find cancer? This is the true story of a 73-year old man who came to Duke University Medical Center early in 2021. When he was examined, his prostate gland was... keep reading

Your PSA blood test came back abnormally high. Your doctor says you might have prostate cancer (PCa) and wants to do a needle biopsy, but guess what? You have a choice. Either: a) He numbs you up and pokes your prostate gland with needles in order to extract tissue samples, or b) He sends you keep reading

How can prostate cancer treatment affect your sex life? Let me count the ways: Damage to the nerves that control erection Loss of ejaculate due to gland removal or whole-gland ablation Loss of desire and/or erectile dysfunction as a result of androgen deprivation therapy Psychological/identity/self-esteem issues that affect performance According to clinical psychologist Leslie Schover, keep reading

Multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) has been the biggest gamechanger in the prostate cancer world for the past 15 years. It has revolutionized not only the detection prostate cancer (PCa), but it can actually fine tune the diagnosis, treatment plan, and even the treatment itself. Traditionally, almost all aspects of PCa were within the specialty of urology, keep reading

There is universal agreement among prostate cancer (PCa) experts, educators, and support organizations that second opinions matter greatly. This applies to your biopsy slides, imaging results, and recommended treatment options. Authoritative sources offer consistent wisdom. For instance: The American Cancer Society urges all cancer patients to seek at least one other viewpoint. “Getting a second keep reading

Everyone who wants to go through a prostate biopsy, raise your hand. What, no takers? Not surprising. Conventional transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) biopsies commonly involve 12-14 needles, and sometimes as many as 24 in a “saturation” biopsy. TRUS biopsies frequently involve pain and risk of infection. There can be side effects like bleeding and even erectile keep reading

Okay, the title of this blog is obviously a trick question. No one—I repeat, NO ONE—looks forward to the prospect of a prostate biopsy. It’s not like standing in front of the freezer section and pondering which flavor of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream you want to bring home and enjoy. TRUS biopsy – UGH! keep reading