Biopsy of prostate gland

Procedure Information

What is a biopsy of the prostate gland?

The prostate is situated at the back of your urinary bladder, and it is responsible for producing around 30% of the seminal fluid volume. A prostate biopsy is a procedure used to take a sample from the prostate gland when there is a suspicion of cancer or any other condition. 

A prostate biopsy is recommended if the results of specific tests like prostate-specific antigen (PSA) suggest the presence of prostate cancer. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate and its levels are elevated when there is prostate cancer.

Why would I get this procedure?

A prostate biopsy is examined under the microscope for detection of cancer or any other conditions. The procedure is recommended if: 

• The physician suspects prostate disease following an abnormal digital rectal exam of the prostate.
• You have elevated PSA levels.
• Your PSA level is still elevated despite previous normal biopsy taken before.

What happens during the procedure?

The procedure takes around 15 to 30 minutes. There are different procedures used to obtain prostate biopsy: transrectal biopsy and transperineal biopsy. 

Transperineal biopsy. A small incision is made in the perineum area ( the area between the scrotum and anus) and a needle biopsy is inserted through this cut until it reaches the prostate. This can be done under the guidance of CT or MRI.

Transrectal biopsy. It is the most common technique for obtaining a prostate biopsy. You will lie on your side with your knees drawn up to your chest. Your physician will insert a thin ultrasound probe into your rectum. The ultrasound will guide the physician to identify the prostate and take the biopsy. Several biopsies are taken, around 10 to 12, and are sent for a pathology lab for analysis.

What to expect after the procedure?

You might feel some discomfort in your pelvic region following the procedure. This completely normal and can be managed by pain medications. Rectal bleeding, red stools, and a change in the color of your semen are all expected as well.

You can wait for 2 days until you return to your regular activities. Before that, it is recommended that you do only light activities. 

Conclusion

The biopsy will be analyzed by a pathologist to evaluate the presence of cancer. You will receive a complete report that contains all findings in the biopsy. These findings will help determine if you have cancer or not. It also will help in determining how aggressive and the stage of the tumor. Your doctor will help you understand what your results mean for your and will guide you through the next steps of management.

Citations

Mayo Clinic: Prostate biopsy