Prostate biopsy
About this test
A prostate biopsy is a procedure to remove samples of suspicious tissue from the prostate. The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland in males that produces fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. During a prostate biopsy a needle is used to collect a number of tissue samples from your prostate gland. The procedure is performed by a doctor who specializes in the urinary system and male sex organs (urologist).
Why it's done
A prostate biopsy is used to detect prostate cancer. Your doctor may recommend a prostate biopsy if: A PSA test shows levels higher than normal for your age Your doctor finds lumps or other abnormalities during a digital rectal exam You've had a previous biopsy with a normal result, but you still have elevated PSA levels A previous biopsy revealed prostate tissue cells that were abnormal but not cancerous
Risks and complications
Risks associated with a prostate biopsy include: Bleeding at the biopsy site. Rectal bleeding is common after a prostate biopsy. Blood in your semen. It's common to notice red or rust coloring in your semen after a prostate biopsy. This indicates the presence of blood, and it's not a cause for concern. Blood in your semen may persist for a few weeks after the biopsy. Blood in your urine. This bleeding is usually minor. Difficulty urinating. Prostate biopsy can sometimes cause difficulty with urination after the procedure. Rarely, a temporary urinary catheter must be inserted. Infection. Rarely, a prostate biopsy can cause an infection of the urinary tract or prostate that requires treatment with antibiotics.
How to prepare
To prepare for your prostate biopsy, your urologist may have you: Provide a urine sample to analyze for a urinary tract infection. If you have a urinary tract infection, your prostate biopsy will likely be postponed while you take antibiotics to clear the infection. Stop taking medication that can increase the risk of bleeding — such as warfarin (Jantoven), aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and certain herbal supplements — for several days before the procedure. Do a cleansing enema at home before your biopsy appointment. Take antibiotics before your prostate biopsy to help prevent infection from the procedure.
Understanding your results
A doctor who specializes in diagnosing cancer and other tissue abnormalities (pathologist) will evaluate the prostate biopsy samples. The pathologist can tell if the tissue removed is cancerous and, if cancer is present, estimate how aggressive it is. Your doctor will explain the pathologist's findings to you. Your pathology report may include: A description of the biopsy sample. Sometimes called the gross description, this section of the report might evaluate the color and consistency of the prostate tissue. A description of the cells. Your pathology report will describe the way the cells appear under the microscope. Prostate cancer cells may be referred to as adenocarcinoma. Sometimes the pathologist finds cells that appear abnormal but aren't cancerous. Words used to describe these noncancerous conditions include "prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia" and "atypical small acinar proliferation." Cancer grading. If the pathologist finds cancer, it's graded on a scale called the Gleason score. Gleason scoring combines two numbers and can range from 2 (nonaggressive cancer) to 10 (very aggressive cancer), though the lower part of the range isn't used as often. Most Gleason scores used to assess prostate biopsy samples range from 6 to 10. A score of 6 indicates a low-grade prostate cancer. A score of 7 indicates a medium-grade prostate cancer. Scores from 8 to 10 indicate high-grade cancers. The pathologist's diagnosis. This section of the pathology report lists the pathologist's diagnosis. It may also include comments, such as whether other tests are recommended.
Disclaimer: August is a health information platform and its responses don't constitute medical advise. Always consult with a licenced medical professional near you before making any changes.