Prostate biopsy

A prostate biopsy is a routine procedure used to collect small samples of tissue from the prostate gland to check for abnormalities. The prostate is a small, walnut-nut shaped gland located beneath the bladder that plays a vital role in the male reproductive system by producing fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.

At Sulis Hospital, your biopsy will be performed by a consultant urologist who is a specialist doctor dedicated to conditions affecting the urinary system and male reproductive health.

Why might you need a prostate biopsy?

Our consultant urologists usually recommend a prostate biopsy if initial screening tests suggest the need for further investigation. You might be referred for a biopsy if you have had:

• A raised PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test.
• An unexpected finding during a digital rectal examination.
• An anomaly flagged during a prostate MRI scan.

These initial tests can indicate that something is unusual and a biopsy is the only definitive way to find out exactly what is causing the change and rule out prostate cancer.

What happens to the samples?

The small tissue samples collected during your procedure are sent to a laboratory to be examined under microscope by a pathologist.

•  If no cancer is found: Your consultant will discuss your results and look at other benign (non-cancerous) reasons for your initial test results, such as enlarged prostate (BPH) or inflammation.
• If cancer cells are detected: The cells will be carefully evaluated to see how advanced they are and how quickly they are likely to progress.

Receiving a diagnosis can be overwhelming but finding out early gives you the best advantage. Our expert multidisciplinary team at Sulis Hospital will work closely with you to interpret your results and build a personalised, highly effective treatment and management plan.