Health Information
Prostate Biopsy
Test Overview
A
Reference prostate gland Opens New Window biopsy is a test to remove small
samples of prostate tissue to be examined under a microscope. See a picture of
the Reference prostate gland Opens New Window Reference 
Opens New Window.
For a prostate biopsy, a thin needle is inserted through the Reference rectum Opens New Window (transrectal biopsy), through the Reference urethra Opens New Window, or through the area between the anus and scrotum (Reference perineum Opens New Window). A transrectal biopsy is the most common method used. The tissue samples taken during the biopsy are examined for Reference cancer Opens New Window cells.
A biopsy may be done when a blood test shows a high level of Reference prostate-specific antigen (PSA) Opens New Window or after a Reference digital rectal examination Opens New Window finds an abnormal prostate or a lump.
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