Granulomatous Prostatitis in Keeping with BCG therapy

Hello everyone,

I haven’t been online for a couple of months due to a very stressful time.  During a routine biopsy in November following BCG 7,8,9, a problem with my prostate was discovered. An MRI scan indicated that it was likely to be Stage 3 bladder cancer. However,  although my PSA levels were normal the biopsy results confirmed that I have prostate cancer. Fortunately, it’s a very low-grade Gleason 6, which means it’s slow-growing and unlikely to cause me any problems in the near future.

It’s hard to describe just how stressful this time was. I had been advised that if the cancer were of a higher grade, I would need radical surgery to remove both my prostate and bladder. It turns out that the scarring and distortion in my prostate, which appeared  very likely to be cancer on the MRI, was actually a condition called Granulomatous Prostatitis and apparently a rare condition  consistent with BCG therapy.

Given that I was facing the possibility of a life-threatening condition or life-changing surgery, I was incredibly relieved to receive a very low-grade diagnosis. The day after my appointment at the Results Clinic, I resumed my maintenance BCG treatment (10, 11, 12), and I was so grateful given I feared they were going to stop the treatment for my bladder.

This is my update and although obviously not good news to have bladder and prostate cancer it could have been a lot worse. I am however curious if any of you have heard of similar cases of Granulomatous Prostatitis. Just to add, it’s actually harmless, doesn’t cause symptoms, and doesn’t require treatment. 

I just want to add that though all of the stressful experience the MacMillan support team have been amazing and although I had previously declined all kind offers of help, I was so grateful for the one to one counselling sessions that helped me through a very difficult time.

Thanks

Frank