Ed,

In molecular biology, the word "benign" can be applied to
cells that replicate inappropriately, like cancer, but don't
spread, unlike cancer.  Benign prostatic hyperplasia is an
example of this.  It is what causes the prostate to grow in
many men who do not have cancer.  Such a condition
should be watched, but it is not in itself dangerous and
need not be treated unless it becomes actual cancer or
causes urinary problems.  I believe that it _is_ associated
with a rise in PSA.

I think that "benign" may also be used by doctors simply
to mean "non-malignant" (i.e., non-cancerous) without
necessarily implying any inappropriate growth.

You would need to ask the doctor or the lab exactly which
sense they were using in the report.

   Alan

  A biopsy is almost like a needle in a haystack. Not quite that bad, but
very possible to turn up neg just because it missed the tumor. Sorry.....
but keep watching your PSA.

I would definitly get a third opinion. cancer of the prostate is easily
missed. check out this website it helped changing my life
http://confirmpath.com. for my case giving me a benign diagnosis just
before my chemotherapy is worth the whole world to me. in your case it
would be to eliminate errors and make sure you get the right diagnosis.
the last thing you want is a missed cancer  God forbid....Good Luck

G.