Do You Need A Prostate Biopsy

As we are all aware of, as men get older their system ages as well and the reproductive system is top of that list. As men age the prostate ages as well and become larger. There three reasons this happens, either because of prostitis, cancer or an enlarged prostate.

Some tests need to be preformed to determine if you have any problems with your prostate. These tests will help doctors pin point a problem if it is other than an enlarged prostate. If a doctor finds a problem, he will more than likely do a procedure called a prostate biopsy.

Many different procedures are used when doing a prostate biopsy. When a lump is found, a specimen is taken to determine if it is benign or malignant. This procedure has three different way of obtaining a sample. If the antigen levels of the prostate are high, this could mean a malignant growth. They are invasive, but you need one of these tests to see if you are at risk for prostate cancer.

Transrectal Ultrasound
The other procedure used is with a needle that is inserted into the rectum and is attached to a transrectal ultrasound; this allows the doctor to maneuver to the lump and take a sample. This procedure is very invasive. When this procedure is preformed, you lay eider on your side, on your back or kneeling on your knees. You do receive an anesthetic to easy the pain. This procedure takes about a half hour to perform.

Transurethral Biopsy
Transurethral biopsy is preformed by inserting a cystoscope through the urethra as the patient assumes on of the fore mentioned positions when performing a transrectal biopsy. This procedure takes about an hour and the tissue is obtained without any air touching it before checking it.

Transperineal Biopsy
Transperineal biopsy finds you lying on side or back with your knees bent. A small incision is made in the perineum area and a needle inserted while the doctor places a finger in the rectum to hold the prostate steady while inserting the needle. The tissue is then sucked from the prostate for examination.

There are some risks involved with these procedures such as infection; therefore, most doctors start you on an antibiotic before the procedure to limit the risk of infection. Although these procedures require some time and pain in some cases, you need these tests to check for a cancerous growth to prevent further complications.