Prostate Ultrasound and Biopsy
Prostate Ultrasound and Biopsy
Prostate ultrasound and biopsy both evaluate the abnormal results of a digital rectal exam or an elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test.
Prostate ultrasound involves a probe about the size of a finger that is inserted a short distance into the rectum. This probe produces harmless high-frequency sound waves, inaudible to the human ear, that bounce off the surface of the prostate. The sound waves are recorded and transformed into video or photographic images of the prostate gland.
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Prostate cancer can grow very slowly. In some men, it can grow so slowly they may never need treatment. But doctors still want to keep an eye on the cancer so they can take action if it gets worse. This approach is known as active surveillance or watchful waiting.Your doctor may have suggested these options instead of other treatment for a few reasons: Your age Other health conditions you have, such as heart disease, diabetes, or long-lasting high blood pressure Risks and side effects...
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The probe can provide images at different angles to help your doctor estimate the size of your prostate and detect any abnormal growths.
A prostate biopsy uses transrectal ultrasound (through the rectum’s lining) imaging to guide several small needles through the rectum wall into areas of the prostate where abnormalities are detected. The needles remove a tiny amount of tissue. Usually six or more biopsies are taken to test various areas of the prostate. The tissue samples are then analyzed in a laboratory. The results will help doctors diagnose disorders and diseases in the prostate. If cancer is identified, the doctor will be able to grade the cancer and determine its aggressiveness or likelihood of spreading.
Some doctors perform the biopsy through the perineum (skin between the scrotum and rectum). Researchers are investigating alternative biopsy procedures in efforts to maximize the accuracy of these results.
Here's how to get ready for the ultrasound and biopsy.
Tell your doctor if you have a lung or heart condition or any other diseases, or if you are allergic to any medicines.
Tell your doctor if you have an artificial heart valve or if you have ever been told you need to take antibiotics before a dental or surgical procedure. If you have any of these conditions, you will be given antibiotics to take before the biopsy.
Prostate ultrasound involves a probe about the size of a finger that is inserted a short distance into the rectum. This probe produces harmless high-frequency sound waves, inaudible to the human ear, that bounce off the surface of the prostate. The sound waves are recorded and transformed into video or photographic images of the prostate gland.
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Prostate cancer can grow very slowly. In some men, it can grow so slowly they may never need treatment. But doctors still want to keep an eye on the cancer so they can take action if it gets worse. This approach is known as active surveillance or watchful waiting.Your doctor may have suggested these options instead of other treatment for a few reasons: Your age Other health conditions you have, such as heart disease, diabetes, or long-lasting high blood pressure Risks and side effects...
Read the Prostate Cancer: When Treatment Can Wait article > >
The probe can provide images at different angles to help your doctor estimate the size of your prostate and detect any abnormal growths.
A prostate biopsy uses transrectal ultrasound (through the rectum’s lining) imaging to guide several small needles through the rectum wall into areas of the prostate where abnormalities are detected. The needles remove a tiny amount of tissue. Usually six or more biopsies are taken to test various areas of the prostate. The tissue samples are then analyzed in a laboratory. The results will help doctors diagnose disorders and diseases in the prostate. If cancer is identified, the doctor will be able to grade the cancer and determine its aggressiveness or likelihood of spreading.
Some doctors perform the biopsy through the perineum (skin between the scrotum and rectum). Researchers are investigating alternative biopsy procedures in efforts to maximize the accuracy of these results.
What Happens Before The Procedure?
Here's how to get ready for the ultrasound and biopsy.
Special conditions
Tell your doctor if you have a lung or heart condition or any other diseases, or if you are allergic to any medicines.
Tell your doctor if you have an artificial heart valve or if you have ever been told you need to take antibiotics before a dental or surgical procedure. If you have any of these conditions, you will be given antibiotics to take before the biopsy.
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