What is a prostate biopsy?
A prostate biopsy is a procedure that helps doctors check for prostate cancer. It involves taking small samples of tissue from the prostate, a small gland in men that helps make semen. These tissue samples are looked at under a microscope to see if there are any cancer cells.
Causes of prostate biopsy
A prostate biopsy isn’t done just because. Doctors may recommend one if they notice signs that could mean cancer, such as:
- High PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels in a blood test
- An abnormal feeling or lump during a prostate exam
- Changes seen on an imaging scan like an MRI
Risk factors for needing a prostate biopsy
You may be more likely to need this test if you:
- Are over age 50
- Have a high PSA level in your blood
- Have a family history of prostate cancer
- Are Black, since risk is higher in African American men
- Have had abnormal prostate exams in the past
Symptoms that may lead to a prostate biopsy
You might not have symptoms at all. But when symptoms are present, they could include:
- Trouble urinating or a weak urine stream
- Blood in your urine or semen
- Pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis
- Frequent need to urinate, especially at night
Diagnosing the need for prostate biopsy
To decide if a biopsy is needed, doctors may:
- Check PSA levels with a blood test
- Do a digital rectal exam (DRE) to feel the prostate
- Order a prostate MRI to spot any abnormal areas
- Use results from exams and imaging to guide the biopsy
Treatment after prostate biopsy
The biopsy itself is a diagnostic test—not a treatment—but what happens after depends on the results:
- If no cancer is found, your doctor may just keep watching your PSA levels
- If cancer is found, treatment might include active surveillance, surgery, radiation, or other options
- Most men go home the same day and feel back to normal in a day or two