A prostate biopsy is a simple surgical procedure that takes just 10 minutes. It involves inserting the biopsy needle through the wall of your rectum to reach your prostate to cut and remove around 10-12 small samples of tissue from the prostate. The idea of the procedure makes a prostate biopsy appear as an extremely painful procedure. Administering anesthesia before the procedure makes the surgical area numb throughout the procedure. After the procedure, you will feel mild pain and discomfort in your abdominal region (near the prostate) that lasts only for a day or two when you sit. This pain usually resolves with pain medications.
What are the different types of a prostate biopsy procedure?
The surgeon can choose any of the three different ways of performing a prostate biopsy. These are as follows:
- Transrectal method: This is the most common method of performing a prostate biopsy. In this, the surgical instruments are inserted through the rectum (the lowest part of the large bowel).
- Perineal method: This is done through the area lying between the scrotum and rectum.
- Transurethral method: A cystoscope (long tube-like camera) is inserted through the urethra (the tube-like structure through which the urine flows from the bladder).
An ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is usually used to guide the procedure.
Why do you need a prostate biopsy?
A prostate biopsy is done to confirm or rule out prostate cancer.
The doctor may recommend a prostate biopsy for you if
- Your prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test shows high blood levels of PSA.
- Your digital rectal exam (DRE) reveals some growths or abnormalities near the prostate.
Sometimes, your doctor may order a repeat biopsy if your previous biopsy shows abnormal prostate cells that were not cancerous or the results of the biopsy were not clear.
QUESTION
Testosterone is a chemical found only in men. See AnswerHow do you prepare for a prostate biopsy?
Your doctor will get you tested for urinary tract infections (UTI). If UTI is detected, the biopsy will be postponed till the infection clears with antibiotics.
You need to stop taking blood-thinning medications such as aspirin and warfarin and any other medications as advised by your doctor several days before the surgery.
Your doctor or nurse may instruct you to take an enema before the procedure. This helps to keep the bowels clean during the surgery.
How long does it take to recover from a prostate biopsy?
Your doctor may prescribe you a short course of an antibiotic.
You can only do light activities for 24-48 hours after your prostate biopsy.
For a few days, it is normal to experience
- Discomfort near your rectum.
- Light bleeding from your rectum.
- Blood in your urine.
- Blood in your semen.
Call your doctor if you
- Develop a fever.
- Feel pain while passing urine.
- Experience heavy bleeding through the rectum/urethra.
Is there an alternative to a prostate biopsy?
Your doctor only advises you to undergo a prostate biopsy if he feels that all other tests point toward the possibility of prostate cancer. Therefore, if you want to confirm that you have prostate cancer, there is no alternative to a prostate biopsy. To initiate cancer therapy, it is necessary to confirm prostate cancer through the biopsy. Surely, there are other screening tests for prostate cancer such as the digital rectal exam (DRE), free prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS). Discuss with your doctor if you can opt to go for only these tests or any other tests instead of the biopsy procedure.
Latest Men's Health News
Daily Health News
More Health News »Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Prostate biopsy. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/prostate-biopsy/about/pac-20384734
Top How Painful Is a Prostate Biopsy? Related Articles
Enlarged Prostate (BPH, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH or enlarged prostate) is very common in men over 50 years of age. Half of all men over the age of 50 develop symptoms of BPH, but few need medical treatment. This noncancerous enlargement of the prostate can impede urine flow, slow the flow of urine, create the urge to urinate frequently and cause other symptoms like complete blockage of urine and urinary tract infections. More serious symptoms are urinary tract infections (UTIs) and complete blockage of the urethra, which may be a medical emergency. BPH is not cancer. Not all men with the condition need treatment, and usually is closely monitored if no symptoms are present. Treatment measures usually are reserved for men with significant symptoms, and can include medications, surgery, microwave therapy, and laser procedures. Men can prevent prostate problems by having regular medical checkups that include a prostate exam.
BPH Slideshow
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition cause by an enlarged prostate. Get more information on how an enlarged prostate is diagnosed and available treatment for enlarged prostate glands.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men after skin cancer. Risk factors include age, family history, ethnicity, and diet. Prostate cancer is diagnosed by digital rectal exam, prostate specific antigen (PSA) test, and prostate biopsy.
Symptoms may include frequent need to urinate, incontinence, pain, blood in the urine, fatigue, and more. Prognosis and treatment depend on cancer staging. Watchful waiting, surgery, radiation, cryotherapy, and other management strategies are available. Research and clinical trials strive to find new and better treatments for prostate cancer.
Prostate Cancer Quiz
Is prostate cancer the most common cancer in men? Take this quiz to find out and learn the causes, symptoms and treatments of this disease.
Prostate Cancer Slides
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. Learn the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer, along with causes and treatments. Know the stages, survival rates and lower your risk of prostate cancer.
Prostate Infection: Causes, Symptoms, and Remedies
If the prostate gland becomes swollen and tender, it is called prostatitis or prostate infection. The prostate gland is a walnut-shaped organ that lies just below a man's urinary bladder.
Illustrations of Prostate
Side View of the Prostate. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located between the bladder and the penis. See a picture of the Prostate and learn more about the health topic.
Prostate Problems
The prostate is a gland that is part of the male reproductive system and is located between the bladder and penis. Signs and symptoms of prostate problems include painful ejaculation, burning or pain while urinating, blood in the urine or semen, dribbling urine, frequent urination, urinary incontinence, and pain in the lower back, hips, upper thighs, or the pelvic or rectal area. Common causes of prostate problems in men are prostatitis, enlargement of the prostate gland (benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and prostate cancer. Causes of prostate problems can assist in diagnosing prostate cancer. Treatments for prostate problems include medications, surgery, and hormone or radiation therapy.
Prostatitis (Inflammation of the Prostate Gland)
Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland. Signs and symptoms of prostatitis include painful or difficulty urinating; fever; chills; body aches; blood in the urine; pain in the rectum, groin, abdomen, or low back; and painful ejaculation or sexual dysfunction. Causes of prostatitis include STDs, bacteria from urinary tract infections, or E. coli. Treatment for prostatitis depends on if it is a bacterial infection or chronic inflammation of the prostate gland.What Are the 5 Warning Signs of Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer rarely produces symptoms in the early stage; however, few signs can help in detecting prostate cancer.
Where Is the Prostate?
The prostate gland, commonly known as the prostate, is one of the male reproductive organs located just below the bladder, above the penis, and in front of the rectum. It is connected to the penis by a tube (urethra) that empties urine from the bladder. The size and shape of the prostate are similar to a walnut.