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Prostate cancer diagnosis

rongym
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Hi in 2019 I had a biopsy and was diagnosed with prostate cancer, a Gleason score of 3+3.

In 2022 another biopsy was done and no cancer was found in those samples.

I have had a further biopsy in February, as my PSA is rising again, and I have just had results and again there is no cancer present.

Should this be of cerncern, does this happen?

Have I been misdiagnosed originally ?

Many thanks 

Ron 

  • Hi rongym

     

    Thank you for getting in touch and welcome to the online community. My name is Anne-Marie and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

    A Gleason score of 3+3 means that the cells look similar to normal prostate cells. The cancer is likely to grow very slowly, if at all. This is some information for you on grades and scores with prostate cancer. As the cells were found in the prostate, it may have been assessed as localised prostate cancer, and treatment would usually involve active surveillance or watchful waiting, where you are closely monitored and would begin treatment if needed if the cancer started to spread.

    It may be that the biopsies were taken from a different area, just outside where the original cells were found, to check that the cancer had not spread any further in the prostate; you could contact your urology team to discuss this, as they will have access to your medical notes.

    You mentioned that your PSA level has started to rise there are several factors that can affect your PSA level, not just cancer growth. These include vigorous exercise (especially cycling), a urine infection, ejaculation, anal sex, or prostate stimulation within a week before a PSA test, having a digital rectal examination, biopsy, and certain medicines that can affect it too.

    You may find it helpful to speak to your Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) or consultant to discuss your concerns. If you are not happy with the care you have received you could ask for a second opinion or speak to the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS).

    Prostate Cancer UK have a range of support services, including an online support group for those on active surveillance.

    You may find our online community helpful, too; we have forums for different cancer experiences and cancer-type forums, including a Prostate cancer forum.

     

    Best wishes,

    Anne-Marie

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us. 

     

    Ref HeP/A-MW

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