BajaNomad - Prostate biopsy

Prostate biopsy

Bob5440 - 10-25-2019 at 07:57 AM

Does anyone know where I can get a prostate biopsy? What the cost would be and wait times?

Marc - 10-25-2019 at 08:01 AM

I think it's done with a blood test nowadays. Any Dr can send a sample to a lab.

Paco Facullo - 10-25-2019 at 08:21 AM

Yes, the blood test is a PSA test.... It's not expensive.. Well depending on who and where you get it done, that is.

Bob5440 - 10-25-2019 at 08:32 AM

I had the test. My Doctor wants me to get a biopsy. Very different.

John Harper - 10-25-2019 at 08:45 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Bob5440

I had the test. My Doctor wants me to get a biopsy. Very different.

Your doctor can't make a referral? I thought they all did.

John

[Edited on 10-25-2019 by John Harper]

Paco Facullo - 10-25-2019 at 08:52 AM

Well, welcome to the board Bob,

Sorry that it is past the PSA test.
I guess you came to a Baja website as you are inquiring about getting the procedure done in Mexico for a reduced price compared to the USA ?
I'm sure there will be people here that can direct you to a good Dr. and or hospital.

Best of luck Bob and I hope you all the best.

Diver - 10-25-2019 at 09:37 AM

Normally a change in PSA or a physical exam may indicate the need for a biopsy.
Please make certain to get on antibiotics before your biopsy as there are many problems related to infections caused by the biopsy itself.
Best wishes !

.

caj13 - 10-25-2019 at 12:50 PM

yeah, the biopsy wouldnt have been called for unless there was an alarm raised by PSA test or the good old "cave exploration".

PSA is cheap, but has a pretty high rate of false positives

DaliDali - 10-25-2019 at 01:07 PM

The "biopsy" part is done this way.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/prostate-biopsy/...

Lastly, NEVER EVER take the word of anyone on the net.

[Edited on 10-25-2019 by DaliDali]

Hook - 10-25-2019 at 02:01 PM

For anyone considering where to go for medical procedures in Mexico, consider two hospitals in the city of Hermosillo, Sonora. They are CIMA and San Jose. They are both excellent hospitals that, because they draw a lot of people from Arizona and San Carlos, Sonora (where I live, part-time), often have English-speaking interpreters or doctors on staff. Many, many doctors trained in the US.

Over the years I've met several persons who have had numerous procedures at these hospitals, including open heart surgeries, orthopedic surgeries, colonoscopies, etc. I can't recall anyone going there for cancer procedures, though. My friends who have gotten cancer generally have coverage in the US. But, GENERALLY SPEAKING, the costs have been about 30% of the costs of the same procedure in the US. Not 30% less, 30% total, on average. Very modern hospitals.

Hermosillo does have some connecting flights from other cities in Mexico. Not as many as I'd like, but some.

One thing is for sure. Dont waste time getting the biopsy done. Time is of the essence. Getting diagnosed early can make a big difference in the types of treatment that are possible, and their relative effectiveness.

bajarich - 10-25-2019 at 03:04 PM

A biopsy recommendation is not a death sentence. I had one of those PSA false positives which led to a 14 pin biopsy which totally gave me a clean bill of health. It was a pain (14 times), but gave me peace of mind that I was ok.

BTW ask fo the pain killer before they do the biopsy. My doctor said it wouldn't be all that bad, but that was for a 1 pin sample. After 14 of them I felt like a pin cushion.

ZipLine - 10-25-2019 at 03:42 PM

Thanks for the tip there, bajarich. I would have guessed they would do some sort of pain killer automatically. If I ever do that test - as most older guys will do at one time or another - I will ask for the pain killer.

bajabuddha - 10-25-2019 at 04:24 PM

BEST ADVICE SO FAR:
Git'er done, and git'er done ASAP.

2ND BEST:
Ask for some LaLa meds, but Git'er done. Cost is a minor option.

WORSTEST ADVICE SO FAR:
"Lastly, NEVER EVER take the word of anyone on the net."
..........Says someone giving advice ON THE NET. :lol:

[Edited on 10-25-2019 by bajabuddha]

Lee - 10-25-2019 at 04:40 PM

Quote: Originally posted by ZipLine

Thanks for the tip there, bajarich. I would have guessed they would do some sort of pain killer automatically. If I ever do that test - as most older guys will do at one time or another - I will ask for the pain killer.

From personal experience, every time a MD/PA has said I didnt need a pain med/shot for a procedure, I needed something for the procedure.

I assume I WONT get anything unless I ask in advance.

Bob and Susan - 10-25-2019 at 04:40 PM

the fact is 90 percent of men with prostrate cancer live 5 years after treatment...

so that's it...5 more years after you suffer thru the treatment for 2 years

time to finish the "bucket list"

sorry

AKgringo - 10-25-2019 at 04:49 PM

My dad was treated extensively for prostate cancer when he was in his 70's. He passed away at 93, and not from cancer!

BajaBlanca - 10-26-2019 at 06:10 AM

Both my uncle and grandfather had prostate cancer and neither died from it either. For each bad story there is a good one!

I found this site, I hope it is helpful:

https://www.health-tourism.com/categorypage.aspx?sch=1&c...

Hook - 10-26-2019 at 07:30 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Bob and Susan

the fact is 90 percent of men with prostrate cancer live 5 years after treatment...

so that's it...5 more years after you suffer thru the treatment for 2 years

time to finish the "bucket list"

sorry

Ignore this mostly false information, Bob5440.

The survival rates are greater than 90% and the length of time they live is greater than only five years as Bob seems to be indicating.

From the website zerocancer.org........

"Early detection and advances in treatment are saving lives. Finding prostate cancer when it is still at an early stage offers the best hope for living cancer free for a long time. The most recent research shows the five-year survival rate for all men with prostate cancer is nearly 100 percent. The relative 10-year survival rate is 98 percent, and 96 percent for 15 years."

This might be the be-all, end-all page of the most recent facts concerning cancers in the US. It draws upon statistics from cancer.org and the American Cancer Society.

http://www.cancer.org/research/cancer-facts-statistics/all-c...

8knots - 10-26-2019 at 09:52 AM

I had a biopsy in Cabo in March 2018. Confirmed aggressive, stage 4 cancer. Don't mess around.....get the biopsy. It will provide important information.

BajaTed - 10-26-2019 at 10:50 AM

Up your rectum they go and the multi tool tip gets positioned on your rectum wall right next to your prostate. Hole is created with laser and then tool tip goes through hole and nips a piece of your prostate for biopsy or outright removal of prostate tissue as needed.

John Harper - 10-26-2019 at 03:23 PM

My dad lived over 15 years after prostate cancer, and died of lung cancer.

"90 percent survival after 5 years" is probably what you mean. That's how I've always read the cancer statistics.

John

thebajarunner - 10-26-2019 at 08:51 PM

A local urologist once told me
“ every old man dies with prostate cancer. But probably not from prostate cancer”

But keep current on your testing!,

I just scored a 2 on my PSA😊😊

paranewbi - 10-27-2019 at 04:18 AM

Had it done in the US. Don't remember being told about anti-biotics. Procedure delayed 30 days by the doctor. I woke up 4 days after biopsy in the hospital. Two doctors at two different times told me I was lucky to be married to a nurse who recognized I was in trouble. Four hours more and I would have been 'irretrievable'.
The anti-biotics for the rare sepsis infection went through a pic-line to my heart for thirty days and left me unable to walk. I took a year until I regained complete wellness.
The best thing I ever did was marry a nurse...saved my life twice so far. The only fear I have now is that she'll probably never let me die

John Harper - 10-27-2019 at 05:18 AM

Quote: Originally posted by thebajarunner

A local urologist once told me
“ every old man dies with prostate cancer. But probably not from prostate cancer”

That's what the doctor told my dad, too.

John

Mr. Bills - 10-27-2019 at 09:09 AM

Quote: Originally posted by John Harper

Quote: Originally posted by thebajarunner

A local urologist once told me
“ every old man dies with prostate cancer. But probably not from prostate cancer”

That's what the doctor told my dad, too.

John

And what my oncologist and urologist both told me.

Marc - 10-27-2019 at 09:16 AM

Quote: Originally posted by BajaTed

Up your rectum they go and the multi tool tip gets positioned on your rectum wall right next to your prostate. Hole is created with laser and then tool tip goes through hole and nips a piece of your prostate for biopsy or outright removal of prostate tissue as needed.

Oh what fun!

Suntan - 10-27-2019 at 10:43 AM

Sir,
I am a twelve year prostate cancer survivor. Reading some of the replies to your post there is some good advice and some not so good advice. First off there is no death sentence because you have to have a Biopsy done. I had a rising PSA score and two Biopsies over four years before cancer was confirmed. I had the prostate removed through Robotic surgery. My suggestions are to have a" well qualified Urologist" do the Biopsy and " DO NOT" have it done in the Doctors office. Request to be Anesthetized at the hospital during the procedure. There will be some minor after effects that occur. The Biopsy is just another tool in the early detection of Cancer. Middle age and older men should have a PSA and a digital exam done yearly. Early detection of any cancer is the key to surviving and living into old age. Get it done and take the next step.

Mr. Bills - 10-27-2019 at 10:59 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Suntan

Sir,
I am a twelve year prostate cancer survivor. Reading some of the replies to your post there is some good advice and some not so good advice. First off there is no death sentence because you have to have a Biopsy done. I had a rising PSA score and two Biopsies over four years before cancer was confirmed. I had the prostate removed through Robotic surgery. My suggestions are to have a" well qualified Urologist" do the Biopsy and " DO NOT" have it done in the Doctors office. Request to be Anesthetized at the hospital during the procedure. There will be some minor after effects that occur. The Biopsy is just another tool in the early detection of Cancer. Middle age and older men should have a PSA and a digital exam done yearly. Early detection of any cancer is the key to surviving and living into old age. Get it done and take the next step.

^^^ The best advice so far.

.

Bob5440 - 10-28-2019 at 11:43 PM

My original questions were:

Does anyone know where I can get a prostate biopsy? What the cost would be and wait times?

I am specifically looking to get this done in the Cabo area. Lots of replies but no answers. Reading comprehension is dead.

paranewbi - 10-29-2019 at 04:20 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Bob5440

My original questions were:

Does anyone know where I can get a prostate biopsy? What the cost would be and wait times?

I am specifically looking to get this done in the Cabo area. Lots of replies but no answers. Reading comprehension is dead.

Yep... can be frustrating. But I always want to know what it looks like before it looks at me.
Medicine is a practice, let's hope whoever you choose is getting better at it.

John Harper - 10-29-2019 at 05:19 AM

Our reading comprehension is fine, no reason to be snippy.

1. Did you mention you wanted the procedure in Cabo? NO!

2. Did you ask your regular doctor for a referral, as I suggested? Did you even read my suggestion?

Do your own legwork instead of berating us for trying to help next time, okay? Good luck with your biopsy, I hope the prognosis is good.

John

[Edited on 10-29-2019 by John Harper]

mtgoat666 - 10-29-2019 at 06:06 AM

I have found that the best way to find a good medical specialist is to 1) start with recommendation by your GP, and 2) ask friends/acquaintances in the med. field.

Asking for med. referrals on the internet is a bad way to find med referrals.

Bob5440 - 10-29-2019 at 08:04 AM

I am on the Baja forum so I made the assumption people would understand I am looking in the Baja area and not the entire Country of Mexico. I do appreciate the suggestion of Sonora but I might as well fly back to Canada which I am trying to avoid.
My doctor does not do referrals to Mexico and I have no friends or acquaintances that had a prostate biopsy done in Mexico. I have done a lot of research and I have contacted several hospitals but so far I have not received any useful information.
This seemed like a good place to ask since someone may have personal experience with this procedure in Mexico. Only one person has but he did not mention where he had it done or the cost.
When my doctor referred me to a urologist I still used the internet to research him. But I do agree using this forum was a bad way to find med referrals.
I posted my original questions again and if you read through most of the responses they have nothing to do with the questions I asked.

norte - 10-29-2019 at 08:06 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Bob5440

And you expected something different from this forum. You must be a newbie.

Skipjack Joe - 10-29-2019 at 09:03 AM

When people can’t answer your question directly they try to provide anything they can that may be helpful. You should appreciate that.

Mr. Bills - 10-29-2019 at 11:16 AM

@Bob5440:

Here is the answer to your first question, even though it never specified a geographic area:

http://letmegooglethat.com/?q=Urologist+in+Cabo+San+Lucas+Me...

As for your next two questions, you should ask the person(s) you contact after reading the search results for your first question.

Hook - 10-29-2019 at 01:04 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bob5440

And you havent asked your primary care provider about all these questions?

8knots - 10-29-2019 at 04:45 PM

Dr. Pitagoras
No reviews · Urologist
Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico
+52 624 143 7766

Dr. Pitagoras was referred to me by a nearby clinic when my psa blood test came back at 132. I thought he had a good team....anesthesiologist, another doctor in a local Cabo hospital. I do not remember what I paid but it seemed very reasonable. I have been able to use the biopsy report (after google translate) in the US where I have been receiving my treatments for the last 1.5 years as I was diagnosed by Dr. Pitagoras with stage 4 prostate cancer. Don't wait....get it done so you actually know what you are dealing with and can take appropriate steps.

Skipjack Joe - 10-29-2019 at 08:40 PM

Quote: Originally posted by 8knots

my psa blood test came back at 132.

I wish you all the best. You’re in for a real fight.

ZipLine - 10-30-2019 at 11:04 AM

Lots of great advice and "opinion" here. My best advice is to go to the best medical care you can find. Don't mess around looking for cheap Mexico price. If you have Medicare and a good plan option do that. Even if it is an inconvenience to do so.

I've had good and BAD care on Medicare. Suffering sucks, use your head and think it through - Where can I get the VERY BEST care - and follow that. Where do the smart people, rich people go? Go there. If you are lucky and you probably will be - great! If not, you'll find yourself in the best hands possible.

My personal experience is that there is a HUGE difference in service and care. Exploit it. It can save your life.

This is a problem that ALL older men will face. Plan for it.

Bob5440 - 10-30-2019 at 05:38 PM

If anyone is following this and was interested in an actual answer to one of my questions I received an email today from one of the 3 hospitals I have been in contact with.

Greetings from BlueNetHospitals. I am Shanti Poolapalli and we spoke on the phone a couple of days ago with regards to your request.

Hospital fee for the surgery: 12,500 MXN with IVA
The Doctor´s fee: 5,000 MXN
Anesthesiologist fee: 2,000 MXN
Pathology: 6,500 MXN