According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the second most common form of the disease in men. As with any cancer, early detection is key to preventing and treating the disease effectively. To do so, doctors recommend that all men undergo a yearly prostate exam beginning at age 50. If any abnormality is detected during this test, your urology specialist may advise having a biopsy performed.

Understanding Prostate Cancer & Biopsies

What Is It?

A biopsy is a diagnostic exam in which potentially harmful tissues are removed from the body and examined to assess their cancer risk. In the case of a prostate biopsy, the tissue is removed from the prostate gland following an abnormal blood test or rectal exam.

What Is Done During the Procedure?

During the biopsy, your urologist will begin by having you undress below the waist and lie down on your side. Once you are comfortably in position, they will apply lubricant and a numbing cream to the rectum. A rectal ultrasound probe is then inserted to guide your doctor toward the prostate gland. Once the affected area is identified, a local anesthetic is injected into the gland. A spring-loaded hollow needle is inserted and used to take roughly 10 tissue samples from the area. The process lasts less than half an hour.

Preparation

Before your exam, your doctor will have you perform a three-day enema at home. You may be asked to stop taking any blood-thinning medications, such as painkillers, aspirin, and other supplements. You will also need to take three days of antibiotics beginning the day before your biopsy to prevent an infection. 

Potential Side Effects

Side effects from the biopsy are generally mild. You may experience some bleeding, pain, and swelling at the site of the biopsy. You may also have difficulty urinating or notice blood in your semen. In rare cases, an infection is possible; however, antibiotics help minimize these instances.

Follow-Up

After the biopsy, your samples are sent to a pathology lab to be properly examined. This process takes one to three days, although it can be longer if there are complications. If the biopsy shows a positive prostate cancer diagnosis, your urologist will begin discussing different treatment options. If the results are negative, you are in the clear; however, the abnormal exam will still appear in your medical records.

If you need a biopsy or other screening for prostate cancer, contact Medical Center Urology. Located in High Point, NC, this urology practice specializes in everything from overactive bladders to infertility. To learn more, visit the website or call (336) 882-0220 today to schedule an appointment.