Understanding Your Prostate Biopsy Report: A Guide by Dr. Jay Nayak

Prostate cancer affects 1 in 8 Canadian men, and receiving a positive biopsy result can feel overwhelming. In this video, Dr. Jay Nayak, a leading urologic oncologist in Canada, breaks down how to understand your prostate biopsy pathology report, including Gleason scores and risk levels. Learn what your results mean, the difference between low-risk, intermediate-risk, and high-risk prostate cancer, and why informed decisions are key to effective treatment.
Understanding Your Prostate Biopsy Pathology ReportHey there, I'm Dr. Jay Nayak, a urologic oncologist from Canada. Today, I want to chat with you about prostate cancer and help you understand your biopsy results. I know it can be scary to hear you have prostate cancer, but not all prostate cancers are the same. Let's break it down together.

Why Understanding Your Report Matters​

It's crucial to understand your pathology report because:

1. Prostate cancer is common (1 in 8 Canadian men)
2. There are different types and severities
3. You have treatment options
4. Understanding helps avoid decision regret

The Biopsy Process​

Remember those snapping sounds during your biopsy? Each snap was a sample being taken. The pathologist analyzes these samples individually. Sometimes cancer is found in all samples, sometimes just one.

Gleason Score: The Key to Understanding Severity​

The pathologist assigns a Gleason score to any sample with cancer. Here's how it works:

• Scores range from 3 to 5
• Two numbers are assigned (e.g., 3+4)
• First number: Most common pattern
• Second number: Second most common pattern

Gleason Score Range:

• Lowest: 3+3=6
• Highest: 5+5=10

Risk Categories​

Based on the Gleason score, prostate cancer is categorized into risk levels:

Total Score	Risk Level
6	Low
7	Intermediate
8 or higher	High

Important Takeaways​

1. Not all prostate cancer needs immediate treatment
2. Low-risk cancer might be monitored without intervention
3. Discuss your results with your urologist
4. Consider your values and preferences when making decisions

Remember, understanding your pathology report is the first step in making informed decisions about your health. Don't hesitate to ask questions – your healthcare team is there to help you navigate this journey.Stay tuned for our next video where we'll dive into treatment options and their pros and cons. If you have any questions, drop them in the comments below. Your questions might help others too!