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What is a prostate biopsy? What are the indications for the examination? Is the examination painful? How should you prepare for the test? What should you know before a prostate biopsy? Does the study affect the patient’s health? The question is answered by the drug. Paweł Żmuda-Trzebiatowski.
What is a prostate biopsy?
Hello. My name is Piotr and I am 55 years old. Due to my age and the appearance of prostate cancer in my family (grandfather), the doctor referred me to tests for this type of cancer. First, I was supposed to do a PSA test. Unfortunately, the result for my age was slightly higher. Therefore, the doctor referred me to prostate biopsy. The doctor’s message about this study frankly frightened me a little.
Please answer me, how is a prostate biopsy done? Is it a painful examination? Should I somehow prepare for this study? I am asking for specific information on what is a prostate biopsy. I read in the forum about male genital cancers that a prostate biopsy can have side effects. Is it true? Could this test endanger my health? Honestly, I have not even been informed where to sign up for a prostate biopsy, whether at NZF or privately. I will be grateful for any information before deciding on this study. Regards
The doctor explains how the prostate biopsy works
Dear Mr. Piotr, the decision of the attending physician was correct, referring you to a biopsy due to incorrect PSA result. Before going for the examination, it is also worth performing an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity and the smaller pelvis with special imaging of the prostate. A prostate biopsy can be performed by the National Health Fund as well as privately, I think that in the second case the test will be performed faster, although I do not know what the prices are.
Unfortunately, the examination itself is not pleasant, but it is necessary for a specific diagnosis. The examination is performed under ultrasound control, the probe is inserted through the rectum into the rectum, it is necessary for the correct visualization of the prostate. The doctor pierces the large intestine with a biopsy needle to reach the prostate gland and take samples.
The prostate gland is divided into two lobes, right and left. At least six biopsies should be taken from each lobe, therefore the examination may take longer than biopsy for other glands. Rectal bleeding is a common complication after surgery, but it usually disappears on its own. The collected specimens are subjected to a histopathological examination by a pathomorphologist, the result is waiting for about 14 to 21 days.
It happens that the examination is extremely unpleasant or painful for the patient. In such situations, the doctor performing the examination may decide to administer a short intravenous anesthesia by the anesthetist. Unfortunately, this is not a common practice.
It should be borne in mind that even if the histopathological examination does not show any disturbing changes, the disease may still develop. This is because the neoplastic focus may be small enough to be missed during the biopsy. Only the excision of the entire gland makes it possible to exclude the presence of neoplasm with 100% certainty.
A biopsy by itself does not increase the risk of developing cancer, so you don’t have to worry about that. After the examination, it is worth checking the PSA concentration, but it may be elevated freshly after the examination.
– Lek. Paweł Żmuda-Trzebiatowski
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