Maybe a second opinion? And if so, consider Dr. Joseph J. Busch in Chattanooga, TN @ Diagnostic Radiology Consultants. Instead of biopsy, a 3D MRI is performed, that gives a global view of the prostate.
I first was diagnosed at age 57 in October 2011...Gleason 6, PSA 6.5. Urologist was Dr. David Hall in Morgantown, WV and the immediate recommendation was a choice of surgery, seeding or radiation of some kind. So, after the initial shock of being told I had the “C” word, I chose active surveillance. I sought a second opinion, resulting in continuing the surveillance. That physician discussed the PSA number rise is important, but the the speed in which it elevates is a greater importance. Since 2011, every six months, I submit to a PSA test and the number has cycled between 4 up to 8.7. Relocated 2015 to Huntsville, AL. Since, I have been a patient of Dr. V. Keith Jimenez @ Urology Specialists. He says...”you’ve got a big ol prostate, around three times normal”. One biopsy since 2015. Then fall of 2017, PSA result is 8.7! He recommends Dr. Busch. Following the MRI, Dr. Busch discussed, displayed and answered questions with me and my wife for an hour or so. The results of the MRI, revealed the cancer to be a spot less than 2mm. Still, I continue with active surveillance. My next appointment will be PSA test and 3D MRI.
If your number is pretty fast on the rise and 10 or more, treatment of some kind likely needs done. But, if it’s not increasing and is below 10...well, maybe treatment can be avoided. I mean, any of the treatment is coupled to a risk factor of some type.
Should I ever need more than surveillance, that SOB is getting the hell removed. Da Vinci method.