Transrectal needle biopsy

A biopsy involves using an ultrasound scanner to guide a plastic probe into the rectum. A needle is then passed (via the ultrasound probe) through the wall of the rectum (back passage) and into the prostate gland. Several small samples of tissue (usually around 10) are taken from the prostate to be examined under a microscope. To keep you comfortable during the procedure, you will be given a local anaesthetic. Usually, you won't need a general anaesthetic.

Antibiotics are given to reduce the risk of infection. It's important to drink plenty of fluids for 24 hours after the test.

The biopsy is not without its own risks. For every 100 men having a biopsy, about three will need a second course of antibiotics, and one will need to be admitted to hospital to have antibiotics given by a drip (into a vein). About 30 men may have some bleeding in the urine or semen, or see blood in their bowel motions, for up to three weeks afterwards.

Unfortunately, even if there is cancer in the prostate it may not be found by biopsy. This happens in around 1 in 10 or 1 in 20 men (5-10%). If a biopsy is negative it may need to be repeated - this may pick up a cancer that was missed the first time. Sometimes the PSA level may be measured again after a few months and the biopsy repeated if the level starts to rise.