Prostate Biopsy

When men gets older, one part of their reproductive system could be affected and might give them problem. Prostate gets bigger as men grow old. The change in size could either means the occurrence of proctitis, enlarged prostate or cancer of the prostate.

Prostate-related problems can only be determined through several tests like prostate-specific antigen and digital rectal examination. When doctors found positive results leading to these prostate problems, one other procedure might be recommended to conclude the doctor’s findings. This medical procedure is the prostate biopsy.

Prostate biopsy is done in several different ways. Most likely the procedure will make a cut into the region where the prostate is located. This test is recommended in order to determine if the lump found during a digital rectal examination is cancerous or to identify if the prostate-specific antigen’s high level is cause by malignant cells.

Transrectal biopsy is one of the three existing types of prostate biopsy. It is done with the use of a needle attached to a transrectal ultrasound that is inserted through the rectum. The transrectal ultrasound is utilized as the needle’s guide in locating the exact and correct placement of the lump in the prostate.

In the doing the procedure, the male patient will be instructed to make any of the several positions like lying on the side, kneeling or on his back with his feet placed on the stirrups. An anesthesia will be injected to alleviate pain when the needle is inserted. The biopsy procedure will only take not more than 30 minutes.

Transurethral biopsy, as the name suggest will take place in the urethra of the patient. This prostate biopsy will require the patient to position himself just like those required in the transrectal biopsy. In this method a cystoscope is used that will be inserted into the urethra. Once the gadget is inserted a loop is made to pass the cystoscope that will collect the tissue from the prostate that will be examined under a microscope. The procedure will not take more than an hour.

Transperineal biopsy is done in the perineum area of the patient. The patient will be made to make a position either lying on his side or on his back. Both positions will require the patient to bend his knees for easy insertion of the needle through the incision the doctor made. The doctor inserts a finger to the rectum of the patient to keep the prostate steady while the needle is being inserted simultaneously. The needle will suck tissue samples from the prostate. The procedure like the other prostate biopsy methods can take less than an hour.

Prostate biopsy can pose some risks to the patient. For one, infection is inevitable but the effects could be alleviated. Letting the patient take antibiotic before the actual biopsy procedure takes place is one of the preventive measures.