by Mak

Created on: November 16, 2008   Last Updated: November 21, 2008

Prostate is a part of male productive organs. It is a small gland located in pelvis below urine bladder and in front of the rectum; it could be felt by inserting a finger in the rectum. It is a small walnut sized gland that surrounds the urethra or the tube that carries urine from bladder.

Biopsy is the process of carrying out laboratory tests of cell samples from suspected location of the body to determine if it contains any malignant or cancerous cell. Prostate biopsy becomes necessary if the physician feels that symptoms related to urine system problem could be associated with prostate cancer.

You are expected to undergo some odd and uncomfortable procedures while collecting cell samples from prostate for biopsy. Biopsy procedures could be different and the Doctor will advise the best suited procedure for individual cases requiring prostate biopsy. Most commonly used procedure is transrectal', but transurethral' and transperineal' procedures also sometimes recommended or carried out based on situation patient's requirement.

In transrectal' procedure an ultra sound guided needle gun is slowly inserted into the rectum. After locating the correct position by ultrasound the spring loaded needle is activated. This needle works very fast and within few seconds can collect representative sample cells from the prostate gland. This process is normally carried out without any requirement of any anesthesia. Rectum is sufficiently lubricated for smooth guiding of the ultrasound probe and needle gun.

In transurethral' procedure cytoscope is slowly inserted through urethra. Cytoscope has a camera, light and needle gun at its head. Doctor can see directly from inner side of the prostate gland on a screen by this method and sample cells collected by needle gun precisely from where it is felt necessary. This procedure requires local anesthesia for the patient to reduce discomfort.

Transperineal' procedure is used the least. In this process Doctor will first made a small incision at perineum. Perineum is the place between rectum and urethra, just where the prostate lies. Through the incision a biopsy needle gun inserted to collect the samples of cell. This procedure needs a local anesthesia but for some a full anesthesia may be required.

Prostate gland itself is not much sensitive to pain, so while collecting cell samples mostly no pain is felt. In transurethral' and transperineal' process local anesthesia are used and as such not much discomfort will be felt during actual procedure. In transrectal' procedure slightly discomfort is felt while inserting the ultrasound guided gun through rectum, but it is very minimal

After biopsy it is likely that small blood will be found in urine and semen for about next two weeks. It is common symptom and nothing to worry much about it. If transperimeal; procedure for biopsy is adapted, you may feel little discomfort and pain until the incision is fully healed.

With the advancement of medical science prostate biopsy could be performed with minimal discomfort and inconvenience

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