Our Summary

This research investigated whether there was a connection between inflammation in the prostate and the severity of prostate cancer. The study looked at 889 men between the ages of 50 and 75 who initially had negative biopsies for prostate cancer but then tested positive for it two years later. The researchers found that men who had chronic (long-term) inflammation in their initial biopsy were less likely to have severe prostate cancer in the follow-up biopsy. However, they didn’t find a similar connection for those with acute (short-term) inflammation. This could mean that chronic inflammation in the prostate might be linked to less severe forms of prostate cancer.

FAQs

  1. What was the main focus of this research on prostate biopsies?
  2. Was there a connection found between chronic inflammation in the prostate and the severity of prostate cancer?
  3. Was there a similar connection found between acute inflammation and the severity of prostate cancer?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might advise a patient undergoing a prostate biopsy to discuss any history of chronic inflammation in the prostate with their healthcare provider, as it may potentially be associated with a lower risk of developing severe prostate cancer. It is important to communicate any relevant medical history to ensure the best possible care and treatment plan.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for a prostate biopsy include those who have abnormal results on a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, have a family history of prostate cancer, have abnormal findings on a digital rectal exam, or are experiencing symptoms such as frequent urination, difficulty urinating, or blood in the urine. Additionally, patients with chronic inflammation in the prostate may also be recommended for a biopsy to further investigate the presence of prostate cancer.

Timeline

Before a prostate biopsy:

  1. Patient may experience symptoms such as frequent urination, difficulty urinating, blood in urine or semen, or pain in the pelvic area.
  2. Patient undergoes a digital rectal exam (DRE) to check for any abnormalities in the prostate.
  3. Patient may undergo a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test to measure levels of a protein produced by the prostate.
  4. If DRE or PSA results are abnormal, patient may be recommended for a prostate biopsy.

During a prostate biopsy:

  1. Patient may receive instructions to stop taking blood-thinning medications prior to the procedure.
  2. Patient may receive antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection.
  3. During the procedure, a local anesthetic is used to numb the area, and a thin needle is inserted into the prostate to collect tissue samples.
  4. Patient may experience some discomfort or pain during the biopsy.

After a prostate biopsy:

  1. Patient may experience mild bleeding or blood in the urine or semen for a few days after the procedure.
  2. Patient may be advised to avoid strenuous activities for a few days.
  3. Patient may receive the biopsy results within a week or two.
  4. Depending on the results, patient may need further tests or treatments for prostate cancer.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the purpose of a prostate biopsy?
  2. What are the potential risks and side effects of a prostate biopsy?
  3. How is a prostate biopsy performed?
  4. How accurate is a prostate biopsy in detecting prostate cancer?
  5. Are there any alternative tests or procedures that could be considered instead of a prostate biopsy?
  6. How will the results of the biopsy be used to determine the appropriate treatment plan?
  7. What are the potential complications or long-term effects of undergoing a prostate biopsy?
  8. How often should a prostate biopsy be repeated, if necessary?
  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions that should be taken before or after a prostate biopsy?
  10. What are the possible implications of inflammation in the prostate on the risk and severity of prostate cancer?

Reference

Authors: Naha U, Nickel JC, Andriole GL, Freedland SJ, Moreira DM. Journal: J Urol. 2021 Mar;205(3):755-760. doi: 10.1097/JU.0000000000001407. Epub 2020 Oct 20. PMID: 33080149