Anyone against multiple biopsy’s for low grade prostate cancer?

It is my understanding that the risk of spreading the cancer outside the prostate with multiple biopsies is NOT a zero risk. I did not get a direct answer to that question.

In the original poster's case, unless there is a clear spike in the PSA, the risk of doing another biopsy far outweighs the reward. His brother's claim about incontinence and impotence seems a bit of a stretch imo.

That is the problem with PSA testing however ...so many unnecessary biopsies. Just my opinion and I know everyone won't agree but raising the cut-off to a number between 6 and 10 makes a lot of sense to me.

Is there any evidence that 4 is the most appropriate number to use? I would love to read that report. Why aren't we privy to that original document when those numbers were ordained?

I would avoid additional biopsies unless there is a new spike in PSA.

Remember -- the biopsy needle pulls out a bit of tissue for examination. Can it release some malignant cells into the bloodstream as it's withdrawn ?? Don't mess with unnecessary disturbances to a tumor.

My long story, short. I had a biopsy after increasing PSA results last Fall (one 3-3 found). Before committing to active surveillance, I had a scan which showed a “shadow” which led to another computer-guided biopsy finding five spots including one 3-4 and another 4-3 for a game changer in my mind. After a full body scan and bone scan came back negative, I had a RALP two days ago. I wanted the chance to get the cancer out of my body. Had I stopped with the first biopsy, well, who knows.

As said here often, we all have to find and follow our own paths that are influenced by our age, numbers, spread, potential spread, etc. What works for me might not for you and vice-versa. Gather as much info/data as you can, talk to as many people with experiences as you can find, make a decision and, as my friend on here, Michael, encouraged me leading up to my RALP, don’t second guess yourself.

I wish you the best of luck with whatever path you choose.

My urologist told me that there is no evidence indicating a biopsy can spread the cancer.

I had my biopsies done transperinial at Mayo Jacksonville. I think about 20 were taken. My urologist wanted to do it via rectal because I have heart failure but I did not what it done that way per my worry about infections. Had to have my heart failure doctor state having anesthesia was not a problem and could tolerate it.

From all the research and consultations the findings from a biopsies are the gold standard of accurately finding out if you have cancer or not. It is important to have an experienced urologist do it. Asked how many done, how done, etc. In past they used to randomly do biopsies throughout prostrate and take a chance of finding the cancer. But biopsies have changed and mine used a MRI/Fusion to do them.

My oncologist/radiologist however treated my entire prostrate. His reasoning did not want to take a chance that biopsies missed an area that had cancer. Had 30 rounds of proton pencil beam radiation treatments at UFPTI.

I would highly recommend a Decipher test done. They use the biopsies already taken you do not have to have another biopsy done. It is a genetic test that can more accurately give a risk of metastasizing. Mine changed from intermediate to low risk. The facility that does Decipher will work with you on paying for it if you insurance will not cover. They will charge you based on your income. In my case Medicare covered the Decipher test as well as my secondary insurance.