Email a Friend
Print Article
Prostate Biopsy
A
prostate gland biopsy is a test to remove small
samples of prostate tissue to be examined under a microscope. See a picture of
the prostate gland
.
For a prostate biopsy, a thin needle is inserted through the rectum (transrectal biopsy), through the urethra, or through the area between the anus and scrotum (perineum). A transrectal biopsy is the most common method used. The tissue samples taken during the biopsy are examined for cancer cells.
A biopsy may be done when a blood test shows a high level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) or after a digital rectal examination finds an abnormal prostate or a lump.
Why It Is Done
A prostate biopsy is done to determine:
- If a lump found in the prostate gland is cancer.
- The cause of a high level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood.
How To Prepare
Tell your doctor if you:
- Have had any bleeding problems.
- Are allergic to any medicines, including anesthetics.
- Take any medicines regularly. Be sure your doctor knows the names and doses of all your medicines.
- Are taking any blood-thinning medicines, such as warfarin (Coumadin), heparin, enoxaparin (Lovenox), aspirin, ibuprofen, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
You will need to sign a consent form that says you
understand the risks of a prostate biopsy and agree to have the biopsy done.
Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding the need for the
biopsy, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results will mean. To help
you understand the importance of the biopsy, fill out the
medical test information form
(What is a PDF document?)
.
If a prostate biopsy is done under local anesthesia through the area between the anus and scrotum (perineum), no other special preparation is needed.
If the biopsy is done through the rectum, you may need to have an enema before the biopsy.
If the biopsy is done under general anesthesia, your doctor will tell you how soon before surgery to stop eating and drinking. In most cases, you will need to stop eating at least 6 hours before your surgery. You may be able to drink clear liquids, such as water, coffee, or tea, up to 2 hours before surgery. But be sure to follow the exact instructions your doctor gives you.
During preparation for the biopsy, an intravenous line (IV) is inserted in your arm, and a sedative medicine is given about an hour before the biopsy.
How It Is Done
This biopsy is done by a doctor who specializes in men's genital and urinary problems (urologist) in the doctor's office, a day surgery clinic, or a hospital operating room.
Before your prostate biopsy, you may be given antibiotics to prevent infection. You may be asked to take off all of your clothes and put on a hospital gown.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Indication
Uroxatral® (alfuzosin HCl 10 mg extended-release tablets) is an alpha1-blocker for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH.
Important Safety Information
Do not take UROXATRAL if you have liver problems or if you are taking antifungal drugs like ketoconazole or itraconazole, or HIV drugs like ritonavir.
UROXATRAL can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when starting treatment. This may lead to fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do any dangerous activity until you know how UROXATRAL will affect you. This is especially important if you already have a problem with low blood pressure or take medicines to treat high blood pressure. There may be an increased risk of low blood pressure and fainting when taking UROXATRAL in combination with blood pressure medication or nitrates, or erectile dysfunction medication.
If considering cataract surgery (clouding of the eyes), tell your eye surgeon that you are currently taking UROXATRAL or have previously been treated with an alpha-blocker.
Before taking UROXATRAL, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.
Also, tell your doctor if you or any family member(s) have or take medications for a rare heart condition known as congenital prolongation of the QT interval.
BPH and prostate cancer can cause the same symptoms. However, UROXATRAL is not a treatment for prostate cancer.
The most common side effects with UROXATRAL are dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and tiredness.
Please see UROXATRAL full prescribing information.
-
1
-
2
-
3
-
4
-
5
-
6
-
7
-
8
-
9
-
10
-
11
-
12
Men's Health expert Sheldon Marks,MD, describes how orgasms change as men age.
Are Men Obsessed With Their Genitals?
Testicular Self-Exam: What to Look For
