Prostate Cancer

A Look At Prostate Biopsy Procedures

Taking The Fear Out of having a Prostate Biopsy

If you are showing symptoms that may suggest that you have prostate cancer, such as trouble starting to urinate or prostate pain, then your doctor will recommend a procedure known as a prostate biopsy. A prostate biopsy is a simple procedure that is usually performed by a urologist and is the only way of making a positive diagnosis of prostrate cancer.

Although a prostrate biopsy sounds like a big deal it really isn’t. Most men find that although the procedure is uncomfortable it is relatively pain free and most only feel a small amount of pain following the procedure.

Today, there are a number of ways in which a prostate biopsy can be carried out. The most common procedure is known as the core needle biopsy. In this instance the doctor will use a biopsy gun to remove small samples of tissue from the prostrate. The biopsy gun fires a needle into the sample area and removes the tissue. Once the tissue samples have been collected they are then sent to the laboratory where they will be analyzed to see if cancer is present.

This procedure is usually done under a local anesthetic and normally takes no longer than half an hour.

Another way to do a prostate biopsy is to access the prostate gland via the urethra. As the urethra passes through the prostate gland a lighted scope that has a cutting loop attached to it is inserted into the urethra to collect the tissue samples.

This particular procedure takes 30-45 minutes and although usually done under local anesthetic may sometimes be carried out under general anesthetic.

A less common way to perform a prostate biopsy is to collect the tissue samples with a needle through the perineum. The perineum is located between the rectum and the scrotum and the urologist will keep the prostate steady by inserting a finger into the rectum. He will then use a biopsy needle that will be inserted through a small incision.

Carried out under a local anesthetic this is the quickest way to perform a prostate biopsy as it only takes about 15 minutes but is a procedure that is not often used.

Before your prostate biopsy your doctor should explain any complications that could occur for instance, there may be discomfort and bruising at the biopsy site, there may be prolonged bleeding from the biopsy site or you could have problems urinating.

After a prostate biopsy you may find that you have blood present in your urine or stools for a few days or you may even have red or reddish brown blood in your semen when you ejaculate. This could last a few weeks.

Your doctor should be notified if the amount of blood increases, you continue to have difficulty urinating or you show signs of a fever and chills.

The important thing to remember is that you may suffer some discomfort for a short while but that is far better than the consequences of not having any symptoms checked out.

Finding And Understanding Prostate Cancer Information

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How To find Reputable sources

Each year approximately 186,000 men in the United States will receive the diagnosis that they have prostate cancer and, in a bid to beat the second leading cancer that kills men, will begin looking for prostate cancer information. It is estimated that 40,000 men die from prostate cancer every year and 38,000 have their prostates removed either by radiation or surgery.

Searching for prostate cancer information can seem daunting. There is a lot of information out there be it in books or on the World Wide Web. If searching the Internet for prostate cancer information be sure that you check out several different sites. You need to look for websites that are balanced, well-constructed, easy to use and have reputable up-to-date prostate cancer information.

Prostate cancer information on these sites may be in depth or just a general overview but most sites will explain what prostate cancer is, the signs and symptoms and how a diagnosis is made, such as through a Digital Rectal Exam or a prostate biopsy.

Many men when newly diagnosed will be searching for prostate cancer information on the treatment options available for this condition, the prognosis and the chances of recurrence.

For these reasons prostate cancer information needs to be factual, giving no promises but also giving the sufferer hope. When first diagnosed with prostate cancer many men will feel shock and fear and they need to find information that they can understand and is written in such a way that they do not need the help of a medical dictionary to get them through it.

Of course the best source to go to for prostate cancer information will be your health care provider as you will be able to ask questions that are totally relevant for you and your lifestyle. But if you have already done a little research you will be able to ask more informed questions.

There are a variety of organizations that are dedicated to providing up-to-date prostate cancer information such as the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the Prostate Cancer Foundation and The Lance Armstrong Foundation.

You will also find websites that provide chat forums that will give you the chance to communicate with other men who are also dealing with this disease. These can be useful, as each person will have their own story of successes and failures in the coping with their illness. Everyone is an individual and what works for one will not necessarily work for another.

By gleaning as much prostate cancer information that you can will enable you to make educated decisions on how to deal with your health and to be pro-active in your treatment.