MRI Results: What are the chances the lesion is cancer?

@gefears42, I know that seeing any abnormality on an MRI is scary. Naturally, fellow patients can't guess at the chances that your lesion may or may not be cancer. Your doctor likely doesn't know either. That's why the biopsy has been ordered. I know you know that. But when faced with the unknown, we look for reassurance. I get that.

The reassurance I can confidently give you is that your doctor is doing the right thing by ordering a biopsy. Feb 16 seems like a long way away when you just want to know. But in the grand scheme of things, it's only 2 weeks. The lesion is highly unlikely to change with any significance in that time.

Your job now is to take care of yourself. Sleep and eat well. And get informed about what to expect for the biopsy. Here's an article from Mayo Clinic
- Prostate Cancer Biopsy https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/prostate-biopsy/about/pac-20384734

And two discussion where men who have had a prostate cancer biopsy share their experiences and tips:
- Anyone have an Ultrasound-Guided Transperineal Prostate Biopsy? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/anyone-have-an-ultrasound-guided-transperineal-prostate-biopsy/
- Prostate transrectal biopsy https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/prostate-transrectal-biopsy/

i'm tagging @dandl48 @bodeygolfer @roger15 @kingsnake @stebro @rockin2047 @hammer101 @willidf72 @dale1k and others to join this discussion and to offer thoughts about how to prepare.

@gefears42, do you know what type of biopsy has been ordered for you? Do you have questions?

I was only told they will use my MRI to guide them when doing the biopsy.

The MRI guided biopsy is the best route, IMHO. That is what I did. I watched it as they did the biopsy and by using this method they can pinpoint the exact places from which to choose. It was not as uncomfortable as it seems. The numbing shot isn't pleasant, but the process was painless. I just felt pressure as they punched their holes. So glad I did it this way. 11 years ago, before the MRI guided, my biopsies (12 then 24 cores) were negative. With the MRI in the same general areas as the previous biopsies showed cancer. Glad you are using this technique. Stay strong, focused, proactive and resolute.

Thanks for your reply!

I agree with Jondoetx, the MRI guided biopsy is the latest and best biopsy procedure available. After I had lesions show up on my MRI, I was in the same camp as you - Wanted to move as fast as possible. However, 2-3 weeks is pretty quick to go from MRI results to biopsy. Please note, if your biopsy comes back positive and you decide to move forward with a radical prostatectomy, your prostate will need at least six weeks to heal prior to surgery. To give you context of my situation, my doctor (not Mayo, small hospital in Iowa) did not inform me of my increasing PSA levels (high velocity) for over six years - The only way I found out about my high PSA was through a doctor friend that reviewed my medical records at an unrelated appointment. Thus, based on my experience, weeks will most likely not cause any problems, it is years of ignoring the data that will. You are on the right track, keep a positive attitude and address any cancer proactively if it is found in the biopsy.

Thank you very much!

I totally agree with @hammer101. I had a RP 3 months after the biopsy. 8 months later I had 39 radiation treatments. So far all of my PSA tests have been <0.05. I have my 4th one post surgery next week. March 9, 2023 will be one year. Hope to get my 1 year clean pin.

Thank you and good luck!!

You have not told us how old you and recent PSA results and 4k scores Unfortunately if you are in your sixties it is likely cancer.
All my tests came back borderline and my doctor wanted to go strait to biopsy which cost $12k. I got a 3 tesla MRI for $750 and it confirmed there were tumors.
They started me on Lupron and it was worse than the cancer. I had no energy could not walk, mentally confused, some days in the morning I could not get out of bed without holding on to the furniture. Do a net search Lupron ruined my life.
I had 20 proton beam treatments and it took me over 2 years to get back to normal. Why even do a biopsy without 4K scores it is just a more advanced blood test. Now they can do 5 session MRI guided proton treatments. There is also some new ultrasound treatment method.

I am not a doctor but found that mine had no idea what she was talking about. I think you will be fine good luck.

I am 69 an had an MRI in May of 2022 because my PSA went up to 5.4. The MRI showed a 2.5 cm lesion. They gave a PRAD of five which indicates most likely significant cancer. I got the biopsy two months later. The MRI allowed them to take biopsy of the lession specifically and they also took samples of each section of the prostate. My understanding is the MRI shows areas where you can have significant cancer. The lession was Gleason 7 and I had a radical prosectomy in September 2022. I am stage 3A cancer and they did not get positive margins at the bladder sphincter. I have <.02 psa currently which is good. Wishing you the best. The biopsy will let you know if you have cancer