Imaging studies such as MRI and ultrasound, blood work ,and tumor markers are unable to definitely establish the diagnosis of prostate cancer, Only a prostate biopsy can confirm the diagnosis of prostate cancer,
A prostate biopsy is usually performed in the office to remove samples of suspicious tissue from the prostate. The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland in men that produces semen. It is located just below the urinary bladder. During a prostate biopsy the urologist uses a spring-gun biopsy instrument armed with a tiny needle to collect a number of tissue samples ( usually 12 cores ) from your prostate gland under ultrasound guidance. 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 you may have prostate cancer. A PSA greater than 4 ng/ml is generally considered abnormal. Tissue samples from the prostate biopsy are examined under a microscope for the presence of abnormal cells which fulfill the criteria for cancer. If cancer is present, it is evaluated to determine how quickly it’s likely to progress and to determine your best treatment options.
• 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 that was normal, but you still have elevated PSA levels
• A previous biopsy revealed prostate tissue cells that were abnormal but not cancerous
Expected findings after prostate biopsy include: Minor rectal bleeding, blood in semen and urine.
Unexpected complications include urinary retention , fever , and chills
• Cancer grading. If the pathologist finds cancer, it’s graded on a scale of 2 to 10 called the Gleason score. Prostate cancers with a high Gleason score (Greater than 7 ) are high-risk and are more likely to spread quickly. Treatments can only be recommended after a tissue diagnosis of prostate cancer.
Angelo E. Gousse, MD
Clinical Professor of Urology – Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine – FIU
Voluntary Professor of Urology – University of Miami , Miller School of Medicine
Director of Fellowship:Female Urology,Voiding Dysfunction, Reconstruction
Memorial Hospital Miramar, South Broward Hospital District
1951 SW 172 Avenue, Suite 305,
Miramar, FL, 33029
Tel: 954-362-2720 Fax: 954-362-2761
www.bladder-health.net