Prostate Biopsy

The prostate is a gland that produces the liquid part of semen. Transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy can help diagnose prostate cancer. A sample of prostate tissue is removed and sent to a laboratory for testing.

A prostate gland biopsy is a test to remove small samples of prostate tissue to be examined under a microscope. For a prostate biopsy, a thin needle is inserted through the rectum (transrectal biopsy), through the urethra, or through the area between the anus and scrotum ( perineum). A transrectal biopsy is the most common method used. The tissue samples taken during the biopsy are examined for cancer cells.