At age 89 is it prudent to get a prostate biopsy as suggested by Dr.

1. 48

   knerogoposted 14 years ago

   At age 89 is it prudent to get a prostate biopsy as suggested by Dr.

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2. 60

   Tirzah Laughsposted 14 years ago

   If it is prostate cancer, would you do the treatment?  Because if at your age, you feel that you would not, then why put yourself through a biopsy when the result will not significantly change your future?
   
   If you do think you would do treatment, surgery/chemo---etc... and you can afford the biopsy then do it.
   
   It really is up to you.
   
   If it is the doctor's suggestion you are unsure of, ask for a second opinion first.     Second opinions are great.
   
   Good luck!

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3. 60

   christiansisterposted 14 years ago

   First off, I agree with Tirzah. I would say if you do not plan to go through treatment then No dont subject your body to a biopsy.
   
   But, I also would like to add that cancer treatments are really rough and miserable for many people.
   
   It will more than likely effect the quality of Life you will be living during the treatments.
   
   The healing process slows with age.
   
   But it also depends on you specifically.
   How well do you heal from other ailments or injuries?
   
   Do you find yourself suffering from many conditions or ailments?
   
   How much medication do you take and what are their effects on your system?

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4. 61

   torkinheddposted 14 years ago

   If a Doctor suggests it there must a good reason as a biopsy is an invasive procedure and not without risk. At an advanced age of almost 90 years many men will already have prostate cancer however many of these cancers are very slow developing and a lot of men die WITH the cancer and not BECAUSE of it. Unless the doctor can provide compelling reasons for a biopsy for an 89 year old man, I personally would not go ahead with it.
   This is just my own personal opinion, I am not medically qualified to give authoratitive answers.

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