The Most Common Prostate Biopsy Techniques

A prostate biopsy is a medical procedure where samples are taken from the prostate gland of the patient. During a prostate biopsy in Los Angeles, a needle is utilized to gather multiple tissue samples from the prostate gland.

A prostate biopsy is advised when the results of the initial screening tests, such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test or digital rectal exam (DRE) show the possibility that a patient may have prostate cancer. Tissue samples taken during the prostate biopsy are then examined under a microscope by a pathologist to determine if there are any cell abnormalities that could be an indication of prostate cancer. If cancer is present, it should be evaluated right away in order to determine its grade, stage and the best treatment options to prevent it from getting worse and harming the patient.

Prostate Biopsy Techniques

Some of the most common prostate biopsy techniques include:

Fusion Biopsy 

Recently, researchers have developed computer software capable of ‘fusing’ the detailed MRI scan images with real-time ultrasound images of the prostate to help with sampling the gland and improving detection and biopsy accuracy.

In this biopsy technique, the patient would undergo an MRI scan first, and the radiologist would assess the entire prostate and mark the suspicious areas. Then, in an outpatient setting, the specialist would insert an ultrasound probe into the patient’s rectum. This visualizes the prostate in real time and the fusion software superimposes the images with MRI map, while constantly shifting the overlaid MRI image to match the ultrasound. This gives a 3-D view of the gland and marks out area(s) of interest at the same time.

Likewise, a fused image can also be used to guide the biopsy needles accurately to the lesion that should be sampled instead of poking around “blindly” without the assurance if there would be something to be found.

As you can see, an MRI fusion biopsy gives a detailed look of the prostate than the traditional ultrasound, which could only suggest that there may be a tumor in any region.

Guided Biopsy of the Prostate, MRI Prostate Biopsy Technique, and Prostate Imaging

Prostate biopsies are usually performed under ultrasound guidance. During the procedure, a biopsy needle is inserted into the prostate and through the wall of the rectum, in order to take some small tissue and send it for pathologic analysis.

It’s also possible to access the prostate through the perineum – the area of the skin between the rectum and the base of the scrotum. This technique is known as the “transperineal approach” and is utilized for several reasons, such as:

• In cases where cancer is suspected at the front of the prostate gland (better reach).
• If the patient has recently undergone rectal surgery and transrectal ultrasound is not recommended or simply cannot be done.

Prostate biopsies could also be performed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which offers more detailed images of the prostate than what is possible for normal ultrasound. Before the procedure, the MRIs are evaluated through the assistance of a computer-aided detection software in order to determine the exact areas that would need more evaluation.

Also, MRI-guided biopsies can be done with the use of a rectal approach or perineal approach. Both of these methods employ the use of software in order to properly guide where the needle should be positioned.

Prostate Mapping

Prostate mapping is a technique where a multi-sequence MRI scan, as well as the template prostate mapping biopsies, is being utilized. Both of these are capable of producing state-of-the-art information that shows the state of the possibly cancerous tissue within the affected area with a high degree of accuracy.

What Happens After the Biopsy Procedure?

After the biopsy, one of the attending physicians will call the patient to see if he or she is doing well. The results are available in a matter of two to four days, and in some cases, you can check the results online, allowing you to view the results immediately and obtain a personal copy.

These reports would show where the cancer is located and how potentially aggressive it is, which would be denoted through the help of a Gleason scoring system (i.e “grade”).

Recovery after the Biopsy

After the procedure, patients might experience some post-procedure events, which differ from one person to another. Those who had transrectal biopsy may experience some bleeding from the rectum that could last for a couple of days after the biopsy. For those who have undergone general anesthesia, there may be a need to spend some time in the recovery room after the biopsy procedure and ask someone to drive you home. Learn more about prostate biopsies at WebMD.com.

Likewise, just like any other medical procedures, it’s important to stay away from strenuous activities for at least four hours. You might experience some pain and discomfort around the pelvic area for a couple of days, together with mild cramping. There could also be blood in the urine and stool for about a week, and some men may notice that there’s a slight discoloration in their semen. This could last for a month after the biopsy.

That said, here’s what patients can do after the biopsy and during the recovery period:

• Stay away from any physical activities and strenuous exercises, such as weightlifting a few hours after the procedure.
• For the next couple of days, try to limit yourself from performing regular exercise. Always ask your doctor for more instructions.
• Stay away from activities that could stress the pelvic area. This includes riding a bicycle, martial arts, and horseback riding for a week.
• Supplements should be taken to speed up the healing process.
• Taking modified citrus pectin is also advisable. Numerous studies show that it could assist in recovery because it strengthens the immune system.
• Never hold your urine– this could irritate the bladder and lead to UTI.
• Prevent constipation by consuming foods high in fiber, and stay well hydrated.
• Avoid any sexual activities for a couple of weeks.
• Keep your private area clean.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy food, because these could irritate the bladder.
• Don’t worry about erectile dysfunction, a prostate biopsy doesn’t cause this.

If you have more questions about this procedure, contact The Prostate Cancer Institute of Los Angeles by calling (310) 499-2756 for more information and to schedule an appointment today.

Next, read What Causes Prostate Cancer? Learn the Reasons and Stay Aware