Trans rectal ultrasound scan biopsy
Doctors use a TRUS biopsy test to diagnose prostate cancer. They take samples of tissue from the prostate gland to look for cancer cells.
What is a trans-rectal ultrasound scan (TRUS) biopsy?
If a rectal examination and PSA tests show there is a possibility of prostate cancer, you may have a biopsy.
Your doctor may offer you a type of biopsy called a trans-rectal ultrasound scan (TRUS) biopsy. They use an ultrasound probe that goes into the back passage (rectum) to help guide them when removing samples of prostate tissue (biopsies). A doctor called a pathologist looks at the samples under the microscope to check for cancer.
Your doctor or nurse will talk to you about the benefits and disadvantages of having a TRUS biopsy. They will explain the possible risks, such as infection. You may be given antibiotics to take before the biopsy and after it.
Having the biopsy
You lie on your side with your knees pulled up to your chest. Before they take the biopsy the doctor gives you a local anaesthetic into the area of your back passage (rectal) to numb it. This reduces any pain or discomfort.
They then gently pass a small ultrasound probe into the rectum using lubricating gel. The ultrasound shows an image of the prostate gland. This helps the doctor guide a needle along the probe and into the prostate gland to take the biopsies. The doctor usually takes 10 to 18 small samples of tissue.
What to expect after the biopsy
When you go home, it is important to follow the advice your doctor or nurse gave you.
For 24 hours after the test, it is important to drink plenty of fluids. Make sure you take any antibiotics you have been given.
You may have a small amount of blood in your pee for up to 2 weeks and also have blood in your poo. There may also be blood in your semen for up to a few weeks. If these symptoms do not go away, speak to your doctor.
Drink plenty of fluids like water to help reduce the risk of a urine infection. See your GP if have pain peeing or your pee is cloudy or smelly.
Contact a doctor straight away if you:
- have a lot of bleeding
- feel shivery with a temperature over 37.5°C (99.5°F)
- have problems peeing even though you are drinking lots.
If you receive anal sex, you should avoid this for a few weeks until the biopsy area has healed. Talk to your doctor or specialist nurse if you need more advice.
About our information
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References
Below is a sample of the sources used in our prostate cancer information. If you would like more information about the sources we use, please contact us at cancerinformationteam@macmillan.org.uk
C. Parker, E. Castro, K. Fizazi, et al. Prostate cancer: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Annals of Oncology, 2020, Volume 31, Issue 9, p1119-1134. Available from www.esmo.org/guidelines/genitourinary-cancers/prostate-cancer
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2019) Prostate cancer: diagnosis and management (NICE guideline NG131). Last updated December 2021 to include Risk stratification for localised or locally advanced prostate cancer. Available at www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng131
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Reviewers
This information has been written, revised and edited by Macmillan Cancer Support’s Cancer Information Development team. It has been reviewed by expert medical and health professionals and people living with cancer. It has been approved by Senior Medical Editors, Dr Jim Barber, Consultant Clinical Oncologist and Dr Ursula McGovern, Consultant Medical Oncologist.
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