Prostate cancer diagnosis

Prostate cancer diagnosis is commonly confirmed by a procedure called a transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy. It is a procedure that is generally done in the doctor’s office. This type of test is usually performed by a urologist, a surgeon who treats prostate cancer.

Generally 12 core samples are taken from different areas of the prostate gland during the biopsy. However, the doctor may take more core samples to confirm a prostate cancer diagnosis.

Before a prostate cancer biopsy

Your loved one’s doctor will tell him what he needs to do prior to his biopsy. For example, an antibiotic is often prescribed to prevent the possibility of infection. The doctor may also tell him to stop taking blood thinners, or other medications prior to the procedure.

During biopsy

The biopsy is guided with an ultrasound machine (called transrectal ultrasound or TRUS). This helps the doctor know where to insert the needle to get the desired tissue samples.

A small probe is placed inside the man’s rectum, which picks up echo patterns after it emits sound waves that travel into the prostate. A computer uses the echo patterns to help determine areas where there may be a tumor. Another approach is to do a needle biopsy through a small incision in the skin between the rectum and the scrotum (called the skin of the perineum). You can ask the doctor which approach will be used.

A needle is inserted into a special device and small pieces of tissue are quickly removed from several areas in the prostate gland. These samples are then examined under a microscope. A biopsy is not a foolproof method for prostate cancer diagnosis. Some areas with cancer may be missed if a needle does not pass through them. If cancer is still suspected, the biopsy may be repeated.

The actual procedure typically takes about 15 minutes, but you may have to sit in the waiting room longer than that.

The doctor may use an anesthetic to numb the area (you can ask about this ahead of time). Your man will probably feel some level of pressure or discomfort when the probe is inserted. He may also feel short jabs of pain when the core samples are taken.

After the anesthetic wears off, your loved one may feel some discomfort during the ride home and soreness for a few days.

After biopsy

It is not uncommon to notice blood in the urine, or bleeding during bowel movements for a few days. There may also be some blood in the semen for up to several weeks. If the bleeding continues, or your loved one is concerned about the amount of blood, contact his doctor.

Call the doctor immediately if you notice any signs of fatigue, fever, or infection; if your loved one has difficulty urinating; or he has any other problems that concern you.

Waiting for results

After the biopsy, the results will be sent to a laboratory for analysis by a pathologist. It may take several days to get the results. A prostate cancer diagnosis is confirmed if cancer is present in any of the core samples. The next step will be to determine the Gleason score and staging of the cancer.

Updated 10/11

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