Prostate Biopsy Health Article

Definition

Prostate biopsy is a surgical procedure to remove small samples of prostate tissue for microscopic examination. The prostate gland lies just below the urinary bladder and surrounds the urethra. The gland produces enzyme-rich secretions that contribute to the seminal fluid via ducts that enter the urethra.

Purpose

A prostate biopsy is usually performed to determine whether the patient has prostate cancer. Occasionally, it may also be used to diagnose a condition called benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), a progressive enlargement of the prostate that may cause obstruction of urine flow in older males.

A prostate biopsy is ordered when other tests have indicated a need to visualize samples of prostate tissue for abnormalities. These tests are the digital rectal examination (DRE) and the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. The DRE is a routine screening test performed by the physician to feel for any enlargement or nodular growth of the patient's prostate. Higher than normal levels of the protein marker PSA can be an indicator of prostate cancer. If either the DRE or PSA results are abnormal, the physician may order additional tests, including a prostate biopsy. Computed tomography scans, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasonograms provide detailed pictures of the prostate and can also be used to determine the extent and spread of prostate disease. However, a prostate biopsy (examination of the cells of the gland under a microscope) remains the most definitive test for diagnosing and staging prostate cancer.

Precautions

A prostate biopsy is ordered only when the physician has used prior diagnostic tools that indicate an abnormal prostate. Prostate biopsies are usually performed by a urogenital system specialist (urologist). Special precautions will be required before the biopsy if the patient has a history of abnormal bleeding or is currently taking a blood-thinning medication.

Description

According to the American Cancer Society, next to skin cancer, prostate cancer continues to be the most commonly diagnosed cancer in American men. Prostate biopsies are usually performed in one of two ways. They can be performed by inserting a needle through the wall of the rectum or by inserting a needle through the perineum (the area between the base of the penis and the rectum). The patient may be given a sedative to help him relax. In preparation for the biopsy the patient will have an enema, and will begin antibiotic therapy to prevent an infection.