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Is a biopsy necessary for managing a PI-RADS 3 lesion?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My latest PSA is 4.8 ng/mL, up from 2.9 last year. The MRI shows a PI-RADS 3 lesion, and my urologist wants to perform a targeted biopsy. I am hesitant because my brother had complications from his biopsy last year. What are the risks of waiting versus proceeding with the biopsy? Could we monitor with another MRI in a few months?

Kindly guide.

Answered by Dr. Abiola Oladele Sanni

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Abiola Oladele Sanni is an experienced Family Physician with 11 years of clinical expertise, dedicated to delivering comprehensive and patient-centered healthcare. She earned her MBBS from the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, in 2013. Having provided care to over 1,000 patients, Dr. Sanni is known for her compassionate approach and commitment to personalized family medicine. Her focus on holistic health and preventive care has established her as a trusted and respected healthcare professional within the community.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood it.

I understand your fears, but the best way to know if it is cancer is through a biopsy. The biopsy will help determine if it is cancerous or not, and also show the stage and the need for urgent treatment.

An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is not a bad option, but it is not as sensitive as a biopsy. Every procedure has potential complications, but there are measures in place to treat such complications. Please do not let fear cause you to make the wrong decision now.

Also, what is your brother’s condition now?

I hope this has helped you.

Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At February 3, 2025
Reviewed At September 19, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Abiola Oladele Sanni is an experienced Family Physician with 11 years of clinical expertise, dedicated to delivering comprehensive and patient-centered healthcare. She earned her MBBS from the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, in 2013. Having provided care to over 1,000 patients, Dr. Sanni is known for her compassionate approach and commitment to personalized family medicine. Her focus on holistic health and preventive care has established her as a trusted and respected healthcare professional within the community.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Abiola Oladele Sanni is an experienced Family Physician with 11 years of clinical expertise, dedicated to delivering comprehensive and patient-centered healthcare. She earned her MBBS from the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, in 2013. Having provided care to over 1,000 patients, Dr. Sanni is known for her compassionate approach and commitment to personalized family medicine. Her focus on holistic health and preventive care has established her as a trusted and respected healthcare professional within the community.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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