Biopsy

A DRE and PSA cannot diagnose prostate cancer. Abnormal results of a DRE or PSA only indicate that further testing is needed. If you have abnormal results in one of these tests, your doctor may require that you have a biopsy. A biopsy is a procedure in which the doctor uses TRUS to view and guide a needle into the prostate to take small samples of tissue. These tissues are then examined under a microscope for the presence of cancer. A biopsy is the only way to confirm or diagnose the presence of prostate cancer.

The biopsy procedure is short and you can usually go home the same day. There may be some discomfort during the procedure.

After a biopsy, you may experience some blood in the urine, semen, and/or bowel movements, but these symptoms should resolve after a few weeks.