Prostate biopsy

Prostate biopsy is a procedure in which small hollow needle-core samples are removed from a man's prostate gland to be examined for the presence of cancer. It is typically performed when the result from a PSA blood test rises to a level that could indicate prostate cancer.

Procedure

A prostate biopsy is performed by a urologist, who may use ultrasound guidance. The patient is usually given a local anesthetic. The procedure involves inserting a needle into the prostate gland, which is located in front of the rectum, and removing a small sample of tissue. The procedure is usually performed in the doctor's office and takes about 10 minutes.

Risks

Like any procedure, a prostate biopsy carries risks. These may include bleeding, infection, and difficulty urinating. There is also a small risk that the biopsy will miss a cancer that is present in the prostate.

Results

The tissue samples are sent to a laboratory, where a pathologist examines them under a microscope. If cancer cells are found, the pathologist will also determine the Gleason score, which helps predict the aggressiveness of the cancer.

Follow-up

If the biopsy results show cancer, the patient and doctor will discuss treatment options. These may include surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, or active surveillance.

See also

• Prostate cancer
• PSA blood test
• Gleason score

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