Overview
A prostate biopsy is a procedure to remove samples of suspicious tissue from the prostate. The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland in males that produces fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.
During a prostate biopsy a needle is used to collect a number of tissue samples from your prostate gland. The procedure is performed by a doctor who specializes in the urinary system and male sex organs (urologist).
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, suggest that you may have prostate cancer. 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 progress and to determine your best treatment options.
Why it’s done
A prostate biopsy is used to detect prostate cancer.
Your doctor may recommend a prostate biopsy if:
- A PSA test shows levels higher than normal for your age
- Your doctor finds lumps or other abnormalities during a digital rectal exam
- You’ve had a previous biopsy with a normal result, but you still have elevated PSA levels
- A previous biopsy revealed prostate tissue cells that were abnormal but not cancerous
