Prostate Investiagtion

[sherrardk]

My (step) dad has been having his prostate area (? - gland?) prodded and probed by the doctors for about three years. He has acquired some bad infections during this process (antibiotics for weeks, had considered IV antibiotics). He has now had an MRI and they have found two tumours further back than the usual test/examination would find. Is this necessarily bad news or could it be something un-sinister?

[sandyRoe]

This is clearly a question for the medical bods. I just wanted to say I hope it's nothing serious.

[sherrardk]

I know, poor sod. I don't think he's even 60 yet, only just remarried in November. However, displaying excellent gallows humour about it all (but clearly worried).

[boxtops]

Sher, might this help? http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer-of-the-prostate/Pages/Introduction.aspx

[Sqad]

I assume that he has never had a biopsy during these periods of "prodding."

I am glad that he has had an MRI as it is not routine in the UK and in my opinion is so important.

To answer your question, it is not necessarily "bad news" and indeed the good news is that as he has had an MRI, an accurate biopsy can be taken, which hitherto had not been the case.

[sherrardk]

He has had biopsies but now he has had an MRI (he doesn't say a great deal so I am pretty sure I don't have all the info - he is obviously concerned to have phoned me and told me about it (he's not stupid about medical things)).

[pixie373]

I guess they haven't biopsied these two, as they've only just found them. Has he got a further appointment?

[sherrardk]

He's waiting for a further appointment, he has been 'flagged for action'.

[Sqad]

So.....what were the results of the biopsies?

[sherrardk]

I think they were inconclusive (it's been going on a long time).

[Sqad]

OK well the MRI should show the exact spot to take further biopsies.
That is all that one can say at the moment.
Keep us informed eh!

[sherrardk]

Ok, thanks. Sorry for lack of information but he is cagey about what he says (he obviously know the score as he has just retired from working in the lab in a hospital).

[pixie373]

It's natural to be worried if you're unsure what it is. I hope further tests can reassure him.