The Diagnosis

Biopsy

A DRE and PSA cannot diagnose prostate cancer. Abnormal results of a DRE or PSA only indicate that further testing is needed. If you have abnormal results in one of these tests, your doctor may require that you have a biopsy. A prostate biopsy is a procedure in which the doctor uses an imaging technique called transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) to view and guide a needle into the prostate to take small samples of tissue. These tissues are then examined under a microscope for the presence of cancer. A biopsy is the only way to confirm or diagnose the presence of prostate cancer. According to the NCCN guidelines, prostate biopsy using TRUS guidance is the recommended technique for prostate biopsy.1

The biopsy procedure is short and you can usually go home the same day. There may be some discomfort during the procedure.

After a biopsy, you may experience some blood in the urine, semen, and/or bowel movements, but these symptoms should resolve after a few weeks. Please consult with your physician to discuss any issues or concerns you have with this procedure or its symptoms.

References

  1. NCCN® Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology - v.2.2007. Prostate Cancer Early Detection; 2007. National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Available at: www.nccn.org. Accessed June 9, 2008.