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Prostate biopsy

TM73
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My DH (56) had a routine PSA test which came back as 8. He was then referred for an MRI . After more than 10 days he had still heard nothing about the results . 
Today he had a phone call from a clinician asking him to attend for a prostate biopsy in a week’s time . DH was shocked as he assumed that the GP or consultant would have called to say something looked wrong on the MRI rather than just being told he had to have. Biopsy. Does this automatically mean the MRI showed he has cancer ?

Prior to the PSA  test the only symptoms he had was an increase in urination. No issues with starting to pre, no Blood etc. 

  • Dear TM73

    Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to the online community, I hope you find it supportive. My name is Carla and I’m one of the Cancer information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line.

    I am sorry to read that your husband is currently undergoing investigations for a possible prostate cancer as a result of his raised PSA.

    It is important to know that an MRI alone can’t tell for sure whether someone has prostate cancer or not. But the MRI results help your doctor decide whether someone needs further tests/ investigations.

    The only way to confirm a diagnosis of prostate cancer is following prostate biopsy.  

    The biopsy samples will be sent to pathology and can take up to 2-4 weeks to be reported on.

    Waiting for results can be an extremely anxious time, regardless of how the results turn out. There is no right or wrong way for you to feel while you wait. It may reassure you a bit that it is common to feel scared, worried, and anxious at this time.

    If you’d like further explanation or have any other questions, you might benefit from giving our support line a call. We often find we can explain our answers in a bit more detail over the phone, giving you the opportunity to ask more questions if needed.

     

    I hope this information is helpful. Don’t hesitate to come back if you need anything further.

    Best wishes,

    Carla, 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 send us an email.

    Ref: CC/LJ

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