I had a DRE yesterday and doctor found asymmetric lobes on the enlarged prostate. He's referred me to a urologist after a PSA test. Can anyone tell me about the likelihood of the asymmetric lobes being an indicator of cancer? Cheers
I am not a doctor and I have no medical qualifications. However I was treated for prostate cancer almost 10 years ago, and since then I've played an active part in our local prostate cancer support group.
By "asymmetric" I assume he found a lump or nodule. This can be an indicator of prostate cancer, but there are also non-cancerous conditions that can cause this. Or maybe your doctor found evidence of normal age-related swelling (benign hyperplasia). ANY of these conditions will cause your PSA to be elevated so don't be too surprised (or alarmed) when the blood test results come back.
I think it's quite likely that you'll be looking at a multiparametric MRI scan and a biopsy before you know where you stand.
At this stage, you may feel the urge search for more information online. I must warn you against random web searches in general and US hospital websites in particular. I suggest you stick with the information you can find on the NHS and Cancer Research UK sites, plus the two reputable UK charities: Prostate Cancer UK and Tackle Prostate Cancer.
Please come back if you have any further questions, and please let us know how you get on at your appointments.
