Prostate Biopsy For Elevated PSA
There are several things to think about before having a PSA test for prostate cancer, such as, your age, level of concern, the risk of having prostate cancer (e.g. Family history), and the risk and benefits of finding it early.
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is made by both healthy and cancerous cells in your prostate. If the PSA level is high, this may be due to prostate cancer or another prostate problem. If prostate appears harder than usual or knobbly on digital rectal examination, they may recommend you have an MRI or prostate biopsy.
There are two main types of prostate biopsy.
a) Transrectal ultrasound-guided (TRUS) prostate biopsy
A transrectal ultrasound probe is used to assess the prostate gland and several small biopsies (tissue samples) are taken using a needle.
b) Transperineal prostate (TP) biopsy
TP biopsy is becoming more widely available and can be offered under local or general anaesthetic. The biopsy needles are inserted through the perineal skin (area between your testicles and rectum).
