About this page. This is a plain English summary of the prostate biopsy. It does not replace medical advice from your own doctor or specialist.
For full information and references, please read the detailed page.
What is a prostate biopsy?
A prostate biopsy is the test that is used to confirm whether or not someone has prostate cancer. Very fine needles take small samples of prostate tissue, which a pathologist then looks at under a microscope.
It is usually done after a raised PSA blood test, or after a rectal examination has found something that needs a closer look.
Dr Kooner's preferred approach
Dr Kooner's current preferred approach is a transperineal prostate biopsy with MRI fusion targeting. The needles pass through the skin between the scrotum and the back passage, rather than through the bowel.
MRI fusion allows the suspicious area seen on a prostate MRI to be matched with the ultrasound image during the biopsy, so that area can be sampled directly.
This approach is often chosen because it:
- Avoids passing the biopsy needle through the bowel, lowering the risk of infection.
- Allows targeted sampling of MRI-visible areas as well as systematic sampling of the prostate.
- Can help map where a cancer is within the prostate if cancer is found.
Transrectal ultrasound biopsy (TRUS) under sedation remains available in selected cases where it is the more appropriate option after individual assessment.
You can read more about the technique on the short version transperineal biopsy page.
Important things to know
- As with any procedure, there are risks. Infection is less common with the transperineal route because the needle does not pass through the bowel, but infection can still occur and can be serious.
- It is normal to see a small amount of blood in the urine or semen for a few days afterwards. This usually settles on its own.
- A biopsy reports on the small samples that were taken. There is a small chance that a cancer is present in another part of the prostate and is missed on the first biopsy. A repeat biopsy is sometimes needed.
- The decision about whether and how to do a biopsy is individual. It depends on your PSA, your scan results, your age, and your general health.
What you can do next
- Read the full detailed page with references and the BAUS biopsy brochures.
- Short version overview of prostate cancer.
- Short version: transperineal biopsy.
- Short version: what your biopsy result means.
- Request a second opinion before a biopsy.
- Call 02 8382 6980 to make an appointment.