Prostate Biopsy: What is It and How Does It Work?

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Monday, February 11, 2008
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A prostate biopsy is a test performed to diagnose prostate cancer. There are two main reasons why a prostate biopsy might be performed. A man has a high prostate specific antigen (PSA) level. This is a blood test used to screen men for prostate cancer. A rising PSA or elevated PSA can suggest tha...

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high psa
charles brown
Sunday, March 23, 2008 at 10:27 PM
i am 67 year old my count was 2.04 and now i did a check up it show it was 19.0 is that at a stage of cancer let me know

re: high psa
Marc Greenstein
Wednesday, March 26, 2008 at 10:45 AM

Mr. Brown,

I need a little more information. Are you having any problems urinating? When was your PSA 2.04? Was it last year, last month or 10 years ago? 19.0 is high but it may be some inflammation in your prostate gland. You should see a urologist and get evaluated. Good luck

Dr. G

re: high psa
Anonymous
Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at 12:35 PM
I am 73 years old, and had a heart bypass AUGUST 2008. While recovering in hospital i was tested for PSA level and was informed that it was very high (30)Because of the nature of my operation -_Heart By Pass - I had to wait almost five (5) months before undergoing a Biopsy after which I was given the all clear. I am still suffering from the effect of the stress. Gerald FRANCE

How much discomfort will there be?
Alan
Sunday, November 02, 2008 at 01:29 AM

Age 51. Had a prostate biopsy at 3:30 p.m. on Friday. Dr. used local anesthetic. Procedure had less discomfort than a regular dentist visit. Local anesthetic injections were almost not noticeable. The 12 biopsies produced no pain, and were barely noticeable - honestly, a mosquito bite hurts more. Some general soreness while sitting Friday night. By Sat. morning, no soreness. Overall, one of the least eventful medical procedures I’ve ever had - so don’t spend time worrying about it. Do ask the doctor for the local anesthetic. 10 minutes before the biopsy I had a cystoscopy. Again, only very slight discomfort. However, the 24 hours afterward did produce noticeable burning during urination. All-in-all, lots of worry during the 2 weeks before, but the worrying was by far, the worst of it all.

re: How much discomfort will there be?
John Fisher
Friday, November 21, 2008 at 07:33 PM

I agree! Age 54. Had a biopsy today and all the thinking I did about it was wasted. Worst part was the insertion of the probe, but it was only uncomfortable .... no pain. The actual biopsy samples were felt, but only slight pressure, again, no pain. Alittle, and I mean very little, discomfort tonight, but all-in-all ...... DO NOT FRET about this procedure, it is NO BIG DEAL! Good Luck to all!

re: How much discomfort will there be?
Anonymous
Sunday, April 26, 2009 at 04:44 PM

Age 56 at the time of the procedure. I found the procedure to be relatively uncomfortable but there was no major pain. The pricks (no puns intended) from the biopsy tool are a rather dull pain. My real discomfort came about two hours later and lasted for about 8 hours. I was sore and it was painful to sit. The other side effect I experienced was blood in my semen for almost three months. I was told that this was not ununusual and of no concern.

Biopsy was EXCRUCIATING for me
Robert Johnson
Thursday, September 24, 2009 at 05:04 PM

Had it done in 2001 at Stanford Urology department. I don't remember if I was given anesthetic injections then but I was told I would have local anesthesia. Again, I didn't know then and didn't pay attention to find out if it was just some anesthetic cream that was applied or actual injections like in a dental office. In any case, it was the worst pain I've had due to a medical procedure. No cancer found but I am told to have another biopsy done now, 2009. I can't stand going through this excruciating procedure again. I am hoping I can be sedated and have the colonoscopy done in the same day.

Does anyone know for sure if pain reduction technique has improved since 2001? I doubt it because dentist has been using effective local anesthesia forever.