What is the Prostate?
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located in the
male urinary tract. It lies below the bladder and
surrounds the upper urethra.
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Front view of the male urinary tract |
The function of the prostate is to produce
nutrients for the sperm. The prostate gradually
increases in size around the time of middle age.
What is Needle
Biopsy?
Needle biopsy is a minor procedure in which a needle is
inserted into the prostate to take small samples of tissue for
diagnostic examination. This procedure is performed in
the urologist's office or clinic.
Why do I need a Needle Biopsy?
The enlargement of the prostate may cause no symptoms or it
may interfere with urination (voiding). Symptoms such as
increased frequency of voiding, decreased force of urinary
stream, difficulty voiding, or awakening at night to void, may
be signs of benign prostatic enlargement or a prostatic
nodule. Benign enlargement is a normal increase ih the size of
the prostate and does not require a biopsy. A nodule is a firm
or hard area within the prostate of which you might not be
aware. Examination by your physician is needed in both cases
to determine whether needle biopsy is necessary.
Another indication for a needle biopsy of the prostate is an
elevation of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood.
This is a substance made by both normal and cancerous prostate
cells. A needle biopsy might be necessary to determine the
cause of PSA elevation.
In addition to the PSA level test and needle biopsy, a digital
rectal exam is sometimes performed. In a digital rectal exam,
your doctor places a gloved finger in the rectum to feel the
prostate gland for any abnormalities. An ultrasound may also
be necessary. Ultrasound testing involves placing a small
probe in the rectum to view the prostate gland. This test may
be done in the doctor's office or the x-ray department of a
hospital.
Preparation for a Needle Biopsy
It is important to reduce the risk of infection by cleaning
the rectum. Therefore, several hours prior to your scheduled
surgery, you should administer an enema in the rectum. Ask
your nurse or physician about how to administer the enema and
where to purchase one.
Do not eat anything after using the enema. You may drink clear
fluids unless instructed otherwise by your physician. If you
have diabetes, ask your physician about special dietary
arrangements.
To further reduce chances of infection, some patients may need
to take antibiotics before their needle biopsy. Your doctor
will inform you if you need to do this.
Taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or other blood thinners may cause
unnecessary bleeding after your biopsy. This does not apply to
acetaminophen. Please discuss with your physician which
medicines you should avoid and for how long.
Needle Biopsy Procedures
Biopsy With Ultrasound
Most needle biopsies are performed with the aid of
ultrasound. The ultrasound probe is placed in the rectum and
the prostate gland is visualized. If an abnormality (lesion)
is identified, the needle is placed into that area to obtain a
piece of tissue. Often, multiple (six or more) biopsies are
performed. This is done because many prostate cancers are not
visible on ultrasound. Multiple biopsies can further
determine the cause and extent of the abnormality.
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Biopsy with Ultrasound |
Biopsy Without Ultrasound
Some needle biopsies are performed without ultrasound. In
this case, a finger instead of the ultrasound probe is placed
into the rectum to feel the area of the lesion. The needle is
then guided to this area and a piece of tissue is obtained
Does every patient
with an abnormality of the prostate need a needle biopsy?
The need for needle biopsy depends on several factors,
including your PSA level and age. This complex issue should be
discussed further with your physician.
What are prophylactic antibiotics?
Prophylactic antibiotics are medicines taken to prevent
an infection from occurring.
What are the treatment options for
prostate cancer?
There are various options for the treatment of prostate
cancer. These include measures ranging from surgery to close
observation. Your doctor will discuss these options with you
further.
Go to
Needle Biopsy
Post-Discharge Instructions
For more information about The Austin Diagnostic Clinic's
urology department or this topic,
please call 512/901-4021. |
