MRI results T3a!

Hi Alpine Wanderer. I was diagnosed T3a Gleason 8 in November 2018 so will 5 years ago this november. I had 3 years of hormone therapy and 20 sessions of radio therapy and was told in March the hospital considered that my cancer was dealt with. It can be be a long slow road with some worry on the way but it's not the end of the World.

Best of luck with whatever treatment you decide on  

Kind regards Reg

I’ve now obtained a copy of my MRI report and it says:

Prostate:
Size: 5.0 cm trans x 3.2 cm AP x 3.1 cm CC giving an
estimated prostatic volume of 25ml. The PSA density is
calculated to be 0.52 which is significantly elevated
There is a focus of abnormal low T2 signal intensity in the
right posterolateral peripheral zone between the 7 o'clock
and 9 o'clock position which in the axial plane measures 15
mm and is best appreciated on axial T2 image 19 which is
matched by restricted diffusion and early enhancement and is
consistent with a site of clinically significant prostate
cancer. There is slight bulging of the pseudo capsule
suggesting early T3a disease.

… so my prostate is normal size with high PSA density (so certainly PCa present), with a signal intensity of 15mm on one side only (not necessarily the size of the lesion itself) and only slight bulging of the capsule.  Maybe I’m only T2b?  I have been told that the radiographers err on the side of caution, hence the “early T3a” recommendation?  I’m a natural optimist - what do you think  

Morning AW - I ain't no expert but I would go for a T3a N0 M0.

I agree with you they err on the side of caution and if there's a bulge - you don't want the little buggers going walkabout!!

So what's your next step (no pun intended!!) are you joining us on the HT/RT route or do you fancy having the thing removed or there is brachytherapy (not available everywhere in the UK)?

Good luck with which ever route you take to continue your journey.

Best wishes

Brian.

Hi Millibob - I’m leaning towards Da Vinci robot RP, nerve sparing if possible (especially on the side without anything on the capsule). I’ve got a private consultation with a professor (specialist in biopsy) next week. I have NHS fusion biopsy booked 15 September, but they’re hoping to bring me forward on a catch up clinic.

Well AW that sounds like a plan to me. Nerve Sparing are the two most important words there.

Good luck with it - keep us posted as to how it goes.

Best wishes

Brian.

Sounds as if you are at with a similar staging as my husband. T3 a N0 M0 . There was bulging against the wall with uncertainty about whether or not the tumour had broken through. As Brian says, they treated him as if it had broken through  -ie worst case scenario.  He was Gleason 4+3 = 7.  Now almost a year since MRI scan. Rt completed. HT ongoing. He actively did not want surgery.  Neither options are perfect and both have side effects.. would advise doing lots of your own research:)

Fully agree with WW

* Diagnosis of T3a N0 M0 - I was a T3a as there was a "shadow" on my MRI - In the words of the Oncologist "We will zap your lymph nodes to be sure".

* Research ALL side effects for all treatments. You aren't guaranteed to get them all, but 1 or 2 are unpleasant to say the least.

Best wishes

Brian.

Biopsy brought forward to 2 September on catch up clinic!

Happy days - Good luck with it - not something to look forward to!  At least it will be over and done with!

Good news! Keep pushing them politely!