Prostate biopsy

A prostate biopsy consists of taking small samples of the gland with a very fine needle; they are then examined under the microscope. It is the only test that can confirm or rule out prostate cancer and determine how aggressive it is. The samples are guided by an ultrasound probe. They can be taken through the skin of the perineum (transperineal route), a technique that lowers the risk of infection, or through the wall of the rectum (transrectal route). When a prostate MRI has shown a suspicious area, targeted samples of that area are added to the standard ones, taking the MRI images into account. A biopsy is offered when the PSA level is high or rising, when the digital rectal examination is abnormal, or when MRI shows a suspicious lesion. The urologist makes the decision taking into account the patient's age, health and wishes. At Clinique Pasteur Tunis, the test is performed under local anaesthesia or brief general anaesthesia, as a day-case procedure. The results are given and explained in a consultation, together with the next steps if needed.