LAB TEST
Prostate biopsy
A prostate biopsy is the removal of tiny samples of prostate tissue to examine it for signs of prostate cancer. The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland just under the bladder in men. It wraps around the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. The prostate makes semen, the fluid that carries sperm.
How the Test is Performed
There are three main ways to perform a prostate biopsy. Transrectal -- through the rectum. This is the most common method. You will be asked to lie still on your side with your knees bent. Your health care provider will insert a finger-sized ultrasound probe into your rectum. You may feel a little discomfort or…
How to Prepare for the Test
Your provider will inform you about the risks and benefits of the biopsy. You may have to sign a consent form. Several days before the biopsy, your provider may tell you to stop taking any: Blood thinning medicines (anticoagulants) such as warfarin, (Coumadin, Jantoven), clopidogrel (Plavix), apixaban (Eliquis),…
How the Test will Feel
During the procedure you may feel: Mild discomfort while the probe is inserted A brief sting when a sample is taken with the biopsy needle After the procedure, you may have: Soreness in your rectum Small amounts of blood in your stools, urine, or semen, which may last for days to weeks Light bleeding from your rectum…
Why the Test is Performed
A biopsy is done to check for prostate cancer. Your provider may recommend a prostate biopsy if: A blood test shows that you have a higher than normal prostate specific antigen (PSA) level Your provider discovers a lump or abnormality in your prostate during a digital rectal exam
Normal Results
Normal results from the biopsy suggest that no cancer cells have been found.
What Abnormal Results Mean
A positive biopsy result means that cancer cells have been found. The lab will give the cells a grade called a Gleason score . This helps predict how fast the cancer will grow. Your provider will talk to you about your treatment options. The biopsy may also show cells that look abnormal, but may or may not be cancer.…
Risks
A prostate biopsy is generally safe. Risks include: Infection or severe infection of the blood ( sepsis ) Trouble passing urine Allergic reaction to medicines Bleeding or bruising at the biopsy site
References
Babayan RK, Katz MH. Biopsy prophylaxis, technique, complications, and repeat biopsies. In: Mydlo JH, Godec CJ, eds. Prostate Cancer: Science and Clinical Practice . 2nd ed. Waltham, MA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 9. Trabulsi EJ, Halpern EJ, Gomella LG. Prostate biopsy: techniques and imaging. In: Partin AW, Dmochowski RR,…
This is a summary. Read the full article at www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org (reviewed 15/10/2023).
This page is general information and is not medical advice. It does not replace a registered doctor, and it is not a prescription or a recommendation to use any medicine or test. Prices are listed prices and may change. Always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.