Overview:
A prostate and bladder biopsy is a procedure where a doctor removes small samples of tissue to test for cancer. Prostate cancer is relatively common, and bladder cancer occurs in moderate frequency as well. While growths may be found with imaging tests, diagnosing cancer requires a biopsy to test the tissues’ cells directly.
A doctor may order a biopsy after an abnormal blood work report or if there is a lump found on the prostate following a digital rectal exam. Likewise, if there is a mass located on the bladder, a doctor will order a bladder biopsy.
What to Expect:
Biopsies may sound scary and painful, but they’re generally well-tolerated by patients. Most biopsies are a simple, 10-minute procedure. A doctor will insert a small needle to extract cells from different areas of the prostate and bladder to offer a large sample-size for testing.
The samples are then sent to a lab where they will be tested for cancer. If cancer is detected, the doctor will contact the patient directly for a follow-up appointment to determine how to move forward.
A biopsy may cause brief discomfort, and the patient may temporarily notice blood in their stool or urine that may last for a few weeks. Generally, the patient will stop experiencing pain or discomfort 12-24 hours after the biopsy.
