Prostate biopsy

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Why it's done

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Illustration of prostate gland Prostate gland

A prostate biopsy is used to detect prostate cancer. Your doctor may recommend a prostate biopsy if:

  • Results of a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test are higher than normal for your age
  • Your doctor found lumps or other abnormalities during a digital rectal exam
  • You've had a previous biopsy that was normal, but you still have elevated PSA levels
  • A previous biopsy revealed prostate tissue cells that were abnormal but not cancerous
Risks Definition
References
  1. How is prostate cancer diagnosed? American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/ProstateCancer/DetailedGuide/prostate-cancer-diagnosis. Accessed Aug. 13, 2010.
  2. Ramey JR, et al. Ultrasonography and biopsy of the prostate. In: Wein AJ, et al. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/202281144-2/0/1445/0.html. Accessed Aug. 13, 2010.
  3. Causes, natural history & diagnosis of prostate cancer. UrologyHealth.org. http://www.urologyhealth.org/adult/index.cfm?cat=04&topic=39. Accessed Aug. 13, 2010.
  4. How to read your pathology report. MyBiopsy.org. http://www.cap.org/apps/docs/reference/myBiopsy/pathology_report.html. Accessed Aug. 13, 2010.
  5. Castle EP (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Phoenix/Scottsdale, Ariz. Aug. 23, 2010.
MY00182 Sept. 4, 2010

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