Supported by the European Association of Urology to encourage screening for prostate cancer, the transperineal route is a new alternative to conventional biopsies. At 61, Abdellah tells us how this intervention took place.
- With some 50,000 new cases diagnosed each year, prostate cancer is the leading male cancer.
- It is also ranked 3rd in terms of deaths in humans: in 2018, it caused 8,100 deaths in France.
– Why doctor – Why were you referred for prostate cancer screening?
Abdullah – I had a high PSA level. For a year, I also had pressing urges to urinate, and I often went to the toilet. My attending physician therefore made me pass a prostate ultrasound and an MRI, which revealed a suspicious mass. To check if it was a cancerous tumor, I was therefore told that it was necessary to do a biposis.
– How did you get the idea to do a transperineal biopsy?
As I had bad memories of a previous surgery, a friend told me about this new screening technique. I then inquired on the Internet, and I spoke about it to my general practitioner, in particular because the passage by the perineum decreases the risk of infection. His explanations convinced me, and he then directed me to the American Hospital in Paris, where my operation took place.
– How was this screening for prostate cancer?
Very well. I did not feel any pain, and the course of the operation was in accordance with what my general practitioner had explained to me: they anesthetized the area of the perineum, then they pricked me in this place to go look for samples. The person who performed the intervention was very pedagogical, explaining to me as and when what she was doing.
Upstream, I was asked to do an enema at home, to apply an anesthetic cream to the perineal area and to take an antibiotic.
– What is the difference between this intervention and a classic biopsy?
A classic biopsy goes through the rectum, not the perineum. We are lying on our side, whereas in my case, I was lying on my back, with my legs up.
– Is this screening stressful?
Not at all. On the other hand, I was stressed by the results.
– What about your results, precisely?
Nothing serious. I have a small targeted tumor, which is going to be removed.
– Have you been reimbursed by Social Security?
Yes, even if there is a small charge, as happened at the American Hospital.
Do you recommend this type of screening?
Yes quite.
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