Prostate Biopsy

A prostate biopsy is a procedure to remove a tissue sample from the prostate to look for cancer cells.

Conditions

The procedure may be used if there are abnormal results from a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test or if a digital rectal exam feels suspicious.

Procedure

After injecting a local anesthetic, a urologist will place a probe into the rectum. Then, a thin, hollow needle is inserted through the wall of your rectum into the prostate. Multiple small samples of tissue are removed for testing.

After the Procedure

You may experience tenderness in the area of the biopsy, some blood in your urine or light bleeding from your rectum. Blood may be found in your semen for up to several weeks. If these symptoms continue after that, contact your urologist. Seek immediate medical attention if you have a fever after the biopsy.