A prostate gland biopsy is the term given to a rather common test necessary to obtain little bits of prostate tissue, which can aid diagnosis by further examination. It is most commonly used to check for the presence of cancer in prostate gland lumps. An alarming fact is that prostate cancer is a common cause of death, when it comes to cancerous deaths in males. If you fall under the age group of under forty, then your chances of contracting prostate cancer are a good deal less. Let us take a closer look at the prostate gland before we get into the details of a prostate gland biopsy. This gland structure is rather small in size. Yet, this is an important element of your body's male reproductive system. Prostate cancer is the name given to that cancer which particularly targets this gland.
In cases of enlarged prostate, a biopsy may be advisable. This is because a rectal exam can often pinpoint an enlarged prostate which has a typical hard, uneven surface. However, prostate needle biopsy is not the only test which may be used to verify the presence of prostate cancer. If your blood is seen to contain abnormally excess amounts of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), this test may be used to examine underlying causes.
Prostate gland biopsy may be used for the above mentioned reasons. The problem with prostate cancer is that the factors that lead to this are largely unknown. There may be some connection to excess dietary fat intake and elevated levels of testosterone. In fact, the reduction in the level of this hormone can lead to improvement in prostate cancer. This is done via medication or even direct removal of the testicles.
Transrectal ultrasound prostate biopsy, referred to as TRUS prostate biopsy, using transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) may also be used. The biopsy is necessary to make the actual diagnosis of cancer affecting the prostate glands. In this method a probe is utilized such that the ultrasound images received allow the doctor to insert the biopsy needle correctly, after locating a suspected tumor. The needle collects a few pieces of prostate tissue for subsequent examination with a microscope. In a regular prostate gland biopsy, which is less common, the needle goes directly via the rectum all the way through one's urethra. It could also be inserted by means of the region flanked by the anus and scrotum. Prostate biopsy side effects include discomfort and infections of your urinary tract.