Info required Prostrate Biopsy in Bangkok

[Robert M]

I'm looking for a recommendation of a good Dr. and hospital in Bangkok area to have a prostrate biopsy performed.  In my home country there is a delay for a biopsy, mine in scheduled for mid June...and I want to speed up the process by having it possibly done in Thailand. 

 

What I know so far...my recent PSA is 6.4, which prompted me to have an MRI with contrast performed.  The MRI shows a "7 x 5 mm region of restricted diffusion, with charcoal dark T2, which demonstrates plateau contrast-enhancement, which is concerning for malignancy".  I have my MRI images on a thumb drive.  I have two siblings who passed away from cancer. The next piece of the puzzle is obtaining my Gleason score.

 

This whole prostrate cancer chapter is only a week old now for me and I recognize that I'm at the start of the huge learning curve...I'm 71, in very good health for my age and want to be proactive. I'm looking for a hospital that has the right Dr., staff and technology to perform a biopsy where they can over lay the ultrasound images during the biopsy onto the MRI results...I'm told that this is the best way to ensure the biopsy does not miss the spot.  

 

I see see lots of prostrate cancer veterans on this site...your recommendations are appreciated.

 

 

[lopburi3]

Sorry can not help directly (had mine removed due to bladder cancer however).  But remember very few die of that type cancer as most of us will pass away from something else long before it becomes a threat (normally stays in place so not like many other cancers where spread can be rapid).  And what may look like something on a scan may not be what it actually is (had such a case with thyroid myself) and the PSA in itself is not that abnormal so I would wait for Sheryl to advise.  Believe biopsy is difficult, just as with thyroid, when using needles to extract cells.  

[Sheryl]

Dr. Viroj at Bumrungrad is well recommended, would  be able to do this and it can be scheduled and done quickly. Appointment can be made online or by phone.

 

However, Bumrungrad is not inexpensive.

 

If cost is a significant concern then suggest this doctor at Chulalongkhorn:

 

Assoc. Prof.Dr. Kriangsak Prasopsanti

 

it will be necessary to go to their after hours clinic ("clinic nawk wela" -- 13th floor of main OPD building, 4 PM oneard and Saturdays. )  in person to make the appointment, for which there may be a wait, with further wait for the biopsy but will cost far less. Need a Thai speaker to go with you at least the first time.

 

 

[Robert M]

Thanks for the detailed info...much appreciated!

[al007]

Robert M

 

There is almost nothing re prostate cancer that you will not find already on TV,  including what Sheryl posted, suggest you do some research, try looking at all my posts on Prostate cancer and Holep surgery, as a starter

 

I am hopefully in remission as regards both prostate and colorectal cancer, I am 72

 

God helps those who help themselves

[muskoka]

On 19/4/2560 at 8:59 AM, lopburi3 said:

Sorry can not help directly (had mine removed due to bladder cancer however).  But remember very few die of that type cancer as most of us will pass away from something else long before it becomes a threat (normally stays in place so not like many other cancers where spread can be rapid).  And what may look like something on a scan may not be what it actually is (had such a case with thyroid myself) and the PSA in itself is not that abnormal so I would wait for Sheryl to advise.  Believe biopsy is difficult, just as with thyroid, when using needles to extract cells.  

When reading this underlined part of the above post an article I recently came across came to mind

 

 

Quote

 

The value of second opinions demonstrated in study

Date:

April 4, 2017

Source:

Mayo Clinic

Summary:

Many patients seek a second opinion or diagnosis confirmation before treatment for a complex condition. In a new study, researchers report that as many as 88 percent of those patients go home with a new or refined diagnosis -- changing their care plan and potentially their lives. Conversely, only 12 percent receive confirmation that the original diagnosis was complete and correct.

 

 

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/04/170404084442.htm