The results of my PCA3 Plus test have at least given me some confidence that I have a little time to fully research my options before I undergo an invasive procedure like a biopsy.
Newer ultrasound technology is another step that can be done before a prostate biopsy. Like the PCA3 test, it’s not yet widely accepted as a substitute for a biopsy. Even so, you can find a number of research studies on ultrasounds for this purpose. Many show them to be quite promising, especially in combination with other diagnostics. They go by a number of different names and acronyms. “Color Flow Doppler” (CD or CFD) and “Power Doppler” (PD or PDI or PDUS or PD-TRUS) are typical names. It might be called a sonogram, sonography or ultrasound. Many are “3D” or “4D”. They all apparently give a lot more information than the generic ultrasound most urologists use. This is apparently because these newer techniques not only see basic tissue features, but also the flow of blood at some level. Blood flow is apparently altered in tumors or cancerous regions, so this type of ultrasound may be able to detect that.
In fact, according to my friend, Google, this technology is widely accepted and used in other areas of radiology and diagnostic medicine. Those range from locating brain and breast tumors to getting 3D images of an unborn child. There are a lot of studies on using them to detect prostate cancer, to help stage surgery for biopsy proven prostate cancer and even as an aid during a prostate surgery or biopsy. The results seem to vary as to things like sensitivity, specificity and other measures, but most seem to agree that these newer ultrasounds have legitimate use on the prostate, even if not yet a replacement for a biopsy. Continue reading Another Biopsy Alternative? Super Duper Ultrasound