is it pca? PSA, MRI, Biopsy followed by Immunohistochemistry panels (pain, treatment)

[formydaddy]

Hi friends,
My father is 61 years old. No family history of PCA. He recently had severe difficulty in urinating and also had burning or pain during urination. We consulted the urologist and PSA tests were prescribed and done. Following that an MRI Scan was suggested, where the doctor found a lump or prostate enlargement. He suggested to go for Biopsy after that, we are supposed to get biopsy result today but we were told that biopsy results were not satisfactory and sufficient to decide upon and a test for Immunohistochemistry panels has been suggested further. for what purpose is Immunohistochemistry panels test done usually? We still do not know if my father has pca or not and I am really very much worried about the result.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by formydaddy

Hi friends,
My father is 61 years old. No family history of PCA. He recently had severe difficulty in urinating and also had burning or pain during urination. We consulted the urologist and PSA tests were prescribed and done. Following that an MRI Scan was suggested, where the doctor found a lump or prostate enlargement. He suggested to go for Biopsy after that, we are supposed to get biopsy result today but we were told that biopsy results were not satisfactory and sufficient to decide upon and a test for Immunohistochemistry panels has been suggested further. for what purpose is Immunohistochemistry panels test done usually? We still do not know if my father has pca or not and I am really very much worried about the result.

just my 2 cents worth, we are going through the Prostate cancer ordeal right now and have had many friends who have dealt with it. I can not comment on the Inmunohistochemisty cause I have no idea what the heck that is, but hubby's biopsy and everyone else'e have known have produced the answer as to whether or not cancer is present. I am sure you already know, as scary as the word cancer is, prostate cancer is one of the most common types, one of the slowest growing types and one cancer that is easy to treat in many ways. For us, radiation was the amswer because of hubby's age. For some of our friends surgery has been their choice and for others, believe it or not, no treatments. You may want to get a second opinion, we did and choose to actually change doctors, but that is another story.

Don't go into orbit about this right now, follow up with whatever is needed to learn if your dad does or does not have cancer and keep us posted.

Nita

[Beth56]

Something in your father's PSA prompted an MRI scan and then biopsy. From reading online about the test they want to do, it sounds like it is used for determining origin of metastic cancer. It may also have other uses, so don't panic. Due to the urinary problems your father experienced, the doctor could be looking at both the bladder and prostate or other areas if the scan warranted.

There are other reasons your father could be having problems such as BPH or infection. I'm sure the doctor is trying to rule out certain things to give an accurate diagnosis. Prostate biopsies do not always show cancer on the first biopsy. It is a very difficult place to reach via biopsy. Sort of hit and miss if you will. Some people have several biopsies before cancer is found due to location. So he may be doing other tests to confirm or rule out.

My husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer 5 years ago. So we know how difficult a time this is for your family right now. Waiting for news is hard. Try to be patient.

Do you know what your father's PSA was that prompted the biopsy?