Last time we discussed PSA screening – that is, checking to see if you may have prostate cancer. The PSA and digital rectal examination alone does not confirm a diagnosis of cancer – it merely says to us that your case is suspicious and should be investigated further.
What if the PSA or rectal exam is abnormal?
If either test is abnormal, the urologist will request a prostate biopsy. During a prostate biopsy the urologist uses an ultrasound probe to visualize the prostate. This probe is inserted in the rectum. He then uses a special needle to take 12 bites of the prostate and these are then examined under a microscope by the pathologist who will determine if there is cancer present. During the procedure an anaesthetic liquid is injected close to the prostate and this should reduce pain significantly. You will also be required to use antibiotics prior to the procedure in order to reduce your risk of infection – this is taken by mouth on the morning of your biopsy. Biopsies are not without risk – there is a small risk
