Prostate Biopsy
A prostate biopsy is a test conducted to eliminate small samples of prostate tissue that is to be examined under a microscope. When is it performed? A prostate biopsy is conducted when a blood test indicates high level of prostate specific antigen (PSA), a chemical made by both normal and cancerous prostate cells. A high level of PSA in blood usually (not always) indicates cancer and can also be caused by other prostate diseases. This is also conducted when a digital rectal examination shows an abnormal prostate or a lump. The motive of this biopsy is to determining whether a lump discovered in the prostate gland is cancer and the actual cause of the increased level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood. The preparation for prostate biopsy: You must inform your doctor about any sort of bleeding problems you have ever experienced. The doctor must be actually aware of the allergy you have towards any sort of medications including anesthetics. The doctor must also be aware of the names of doses of all your medications including blood-thinning medications such as warfarin, heparin, enoxaparin, aspirin, ibuprofen or other nonsteroidal antinflammatory drugs. You would also require to sign a consent form that says you understand the risks related to prostate biopsy and agree for a prostate biopsy to be conducted. The procedure: The prostate biopsy is conducted by a surgeon or a doctor who is specialist in men's genital or urine related problems. You may be offered antibiotics to prevent infection. You require taking off all your clothes and put on a hospital gown. The biopsy site skin is cleaned with an antiseptic solution and the area around it is covered by a sterile cloth. The doctor wears sterile gloves. Transrectal ultrasound is sued as guidance to the placement of the needle during a prostate biopsy. You may either be asked to kneel, lie on your back or side with your feet resting in stirrups. The doctor injects a local anesthetic around the prostate gland prior the biopsy is taken. The whole procedure takes about 30 minutes. The procedure can also be undertaken via urethra or the perineum. You may feel a brief, sharp pain as the biopsy needle is inserted in to the prostate gland. The results of the prostate biopsy would be avail within two days. Usually, several samples are collected at a time.
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