Prostate Cancer Biopsy
A prostate cancer biopsy is the procedure used to
determine if prostate cancer is present in patients whose
prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and/or digital rectal exams
have aroused the possibility of this type of cancer.
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For many patients, a prostate cancer biopsy
is the confirming diagnosis. Most of the men who have the
procedure done agree that it is relatively painless,
although a few do complain of more severe pain. However,
this procedure is an essential screening method for
individuals at high risk.
A core needle biopsy is the main method used
to determine whether or not prostate cancer is present in a
patient. During the biopsy, a urologist removes several
small samples of prostate tissue from the body. An
instrument called a biopsy gun, which removes tissue in a
fraction of a second, is used to perform the prostate cancer
biopsy. Up to twenty four samples of the prostate tissue are
taken from different areas of the prostate to help confirm
the diagnosis of prostate cancer and also to determine how
much of the prostate is affected if the results are
positive. |
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A core needle biopsy is done through the wall of the rectum
in most cases. The biopsy gun is used to insert very
small, hollow needles into the area and into the prostate.
The needles are placed in several areas of the prostate in
order to access all areas in which the cancer may be
located. Usually, there will be up to six needles placed.
The tissue that is removed by this process is normally about
1/2-inch long and 1/16-inch across.
In some cases, the prostate cancer biopsy is
performed through the perineum, which is the area between the
rectum and the scrotum. The urologist performing the biopsy will
place a finger into the rectum of the patient in order to locate
the prostate.
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Then a needle is inserted through a small incision in the
perineum to complete the procedure. This particular method
requires the use of a local anesthetic to numb the area.
After the removal of the tissue from the prostate, the
samples are sent to a lab to be examined beneath a
microscope to determine if there is the presence of
cancerous cells. The prostate cancer biopsy will also reveal
characteristics of any cancer that is present, in order to
determine growth stage and pattern and also to assess health
risk for the individual. The biopsy procedure helps doctors
to gauge the aggressiveness of potential treatment options
if necessary. Results of the biopsy are usually available
within one to three days.
The prostate cancer biopsy is performed as an outpatient
procedure in most patients and usually takes approximately
fifteen minutes or so to complete. |
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It is considered a relatively safe procedure,
unless there are other health concerns and factors for the
individual. It is extremely rare that the procedure requires any
type of hospitalization. Although it may seem like a worrisome procedure,
the prostate cancer biopsy is necessary to determine the extent
of the cancer, if present, as well as further treatment options
for a patient.
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