Tag: biopsy

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

The quote, “Aging is not for sissies,” is attributed to actress Bette Davis but no doubt millions of senior citizens can easily get on board with that sentiment. After age 65, chances of disease and accidents begin to increase, including chronic disease (diabetes, heart disease, cancer, stroke are the most common), falling, depression, anxiety, dementia keep reading

I’ve said it before, and I’ll undoubtedly say it again: multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) can avoid unnecessary biopsies. In a previous blog, “A PROMIS is a Promise for Multiparametric MRI,” I cited the results of the PROMIS study in which 576 men initially had an mpMRI scan, then underwent 2 types of needle biopsy (ouch!) so keep reading

What do breast cancer (BCa) and prostate cancer (PCa) have in common? As it turns out, they share several characteristics: They are both the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. They are both related to sexuality and reproduction They are both subject to hormone-driven cancers that respond to drugs that affect hormone keep reading