Prostate Biopsies 101

A biopsy is the extraction of a small sample of tissue from within the body. This is done in order to test the tissue in a lab for signs of problems like prostate cancer. A prostate biopsy is generally not the first diagnostic test a urologist will recommend. First, the urology specialist may recommend blood tests and a urinalysis. If abnormalities are present, the doctor may perform a transrectal ultrasound with a biopsy.

This involves inserting a very small ultrasound transducer into the rectum. This allows the doctor to view ultrasound images of the prostate in real time. Then, a small needle is used to extract tissue from the site of the suspected tumor. In the lab, a pathologist studies the tissue to confirm the diagnosis. To help the patient stay comfortable during this procedure, the doctor can administer local anesthesia and a light sedative. If sedation is used, the patient will need someone else to take him home afterward.

Specialized prostate cancer care is available throughout Tennessee at Urology Associates, P.C. Call 888-656-0667, and we’ll walk you through every step of the process—from diagnosis to treatment to follow-up.