Should this person have a prostate biopsy?!
Question: A 45 year old with no family history of prostate problems has a high psa and free psa test. No problem with the digital exam. Goes to a Urologist has a digital exam. No problem. Possibly a asymetrical prostate. Doctor orders a biopsy based on the psa test only. Doesn't recommend another psa test. Is this a bit radical.
Answers: A 45 year old with no family history of prostate problems has a high psa and free psa test. No problem with the digital exam. Goes to a Urologist has a digital exam. No problem. Possibly a asymetrical prostate. Doctor orders a biopsy based on the psa test only. Doesn't recommend another psa test. Is this a bit radical.
High psa is worth worrying about. If it had been a high psa and a low free psa, it would have actually been worse.
The biopsy is necessary, you don't muck around as some forms of prostate cancer are fast growing. There's nothing wrong with asking for another PSA test first.
The biopsy is uncomfortable but not too painful
Why ask us? Go get a second opinion from a real doctor.
The first doctor is being aggressive, but I don't know what the test results were, maybe they have good reason.
I wonder why the PSA was tested if there was no urinary problems. Anyway, a high PSA really indicates the biopsy which will be a minor procedure and will clear any doubts. I think patient should go for it.
The doctor may be requested to repeat the PSA .
Good luck!
Possibly asimetrical prostate + high psa is sign enough to do additional checks. This helps diagnosing early forms of prostate cancer, when it is easily curable.