Prostate biopsy

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Definition Why it's done Risks

How you prepare What you can expect Results

Definition

The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland in men that produces fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. During a prostate biopsy, also called a core needle biopsy, a fine needle is used to take a number of tissue samples from your prostate gland. A prostate biopsy is done by a urologist, a doctor who specializes in men's sex organs and urinary system. Your urologist may recommend a prostate biopsy if results from initial tests, such as a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test or digital rectal exam (DRE), suggest you may have prostate cancer.

Following a prostate biopsy, tissue samples from the prostate biopsy are examined under a microscope for cell abnormalities that are a sign of prostate cancer. If cancer is present, it is evaluated to determine how quickly it's likely to grow and spread and to determine your best treatment options.

NEXT:

Why it's done

RELATED

• Prostate cancer: Does PSA level affect prognosis?
• Prostate cancer
• Prostate cancer screening: Should you get a PSA test?