What happens during a needle biopsy of the prostate gland?

A biopsy is a surgical procedure in which a tiny sample of tissue is removed and examined under a microscope. A core needle biopsy is the method used to diagnose prostate cancer. Under ultrasound guidance, a doctor inserts a narrow needle through the wall of the rectum into the area of the prostate gland that appears abnormal or suspicious. The needle then removes a cylinder of tissue, usually about 1/2 inch long and 1/16 inch across, which is sent to the laboratory for analysis.

The procedure is usually done in the doctor's office and takes about 30 minutes. Although it sounds painful, it usually causes little discomfort because a special instrument called a biopsy gun inserts and removes the needle in a fraction of a second. Several biopsy samples are often taken from various areas of the prostate. Usually six samples are taken from across the prostate to get a representative sample of the gland and tell how much of the gland is affected by the cancer. But more samples -- sometimes as many as 18 -- may be taken when dealing with larger glands.

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