What to Expect from a Biopsy for Raised PSA

PSA can rise for reasons other than cancer, including prostate enlargement, inflammation or infection. A biopsy lets a pathologist examine prostate tissue rather than relying on the blood test alone. The decision may also use examination findings, repeat PSA, urine assessment and prostate imaging. The report can show no cancer, inflammation, or cancerous tissue and may describe how abnormal the cells appear.

Tell the team about antibiotics, blood thinners, allergies, urinary symptoms and previous biopsy problems. You may receive instructions about pausing or changing medicines and taking prescribed infection prevention treatment.

Follow the clinic's instructions about medicines, food, bowel preparation and transport. Local anaesthetic is commonly used. During transperineal sampling, a needle passes through numbed skin; during transrectal sampling, a probe guides the needle through the rectal wall. Pink urine, semen or a small amount of rectal bleeding can occur afterward. Drink fluids if advised, avoid strenuous activity for the recommended period, and complete prescribed medicines.

Contact the clinic urgently for fever, chills, feeling suddenly unwell, inability to pass urine, heavy bleeding or worsening pelvic pain. Infection after prostate biopsy can need rapid treatment, even if the biopsy site looks small.

Ask which route is planned, how to manage blood-thinning medicines, when to resume exercise and sex, how results are graded, and who will explain the next step.