Diagnosis & Biopsy
When prostate cancer is detected early it is nearly 100% survivable! In order to detect prostate cancer a patient will be given a PSA test and DRE from their general practitioner or urologist. If a patient has an elevated PSA test result and/or an abnormal DRE the physician may recommend a biopsy of the prostate.
In order to be diagnosed with prostate cancer a patient must have a biopsy of the prostate gland. A prostate biopsy is conducted with a transrectal ultrasound and biopsy needle to collect small slivers of prostate tissue that are analyzed for cancer. This tissue is then examined under a microscope for cancer cells. A biopsy of the prostate can be performed in the physician’s office and patients usually return home the same day.