At Family Urology Associates, our caring team knows that the idea of a prostate biopsy can sound intimidating.
In reality, it’s a critical diagnostic tool that helps detect or rule out serious conditions like prostate cancer. Your prostate biopsy provides something no blood test, physical exam, or even imaging scan can: a highly detailed, direct look at prostate tissue itself.
A prostate biopsy can make the difference between catching prostate cancer early and overlooking something serious. Understanding when a biopsy is necessary can give you peace of mind about your upcoming test and help you feel more confident about the next steps.
One of the most common reasons Dr. Mohammed Haseebuddin (Dr. Haseeb) may recommend a prostate biopsy is when blood tests show abnormal levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA).
Your prostate produces PSA, a protein that helps keep semen thin and fluid, which makes it easier for sperm to move and support fertility. High PSA levels can be a sign of prostate cancer or other conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate.
The number for abnormally high levels can depend on the individual. Often, doctors consider PSA high if it's over 4 ng/dL. According to the American Cancer Society, men with PSA levels between 4 and 10 have around a 25% chance of having a low-grade prostate cancer. Men with levels over 10 have a 50% chance, but many cancers in this category are still low-grade.
If your PSA rises quickly over time or stays higher than what is typical for your age, Dr. Haseeb may recommend a biopsy to determine the cause and provide clarity.
In a DRE, Dr. Haseeb feels the surface of your prostate gland to check for anything unusual. If he detects lumps, texture irregularities, or other suspicious changes, he may recommend a prostate biopsy.
Although many abnormalities turn out to be benign (noncancerous), a tissue biopsy is often the most reliable way to verify this.
Dr. Haseeb may sometimes recommend a biopsy because of earlier test results. For instance, if a previous biopsy revealed atypical cells or changes, yet it wasn't clearly cancer, you could need a repeat test.
In these situations, the main goal is careful monitoring to detect any progression before it becomes a serious threat. Regular follow-up biopsies may seem stressful, but they're an important safeguard that ensures nothing is missed.
Urinary symptoms are common in men as they age, with four in 10 men experiencing problems like urinary urgency and increased frequency. Although these symptoms are often due to a benign condition like BPH, severe changes of this type may potentially be tied to prostate cancer.
If initial tests don't detect another problem, Dr. Haseeb might recommend a prostate biopsy to rule out more serious causes. Having clear answers is essential, and a biopsy can provide the reassurance you need or help your doctor start the right treatment plan without delay.
This important test can:
In many cases, the results of a prostate biopsy provide reassurance; in others. it gives critical information early enough to take action. Either way, Dr. Haseeb's goal is to help you be proactive about your prostate and whole-person health.
Prostate biopsies can be life-saving — the earlier prostate cancer is detected, the higher the cure rate. If you need a prostate health checkup or you want to discuss your personal risk factors, contact us online or call Family Urology Associates in Frederick, Maryland, today at 301-606-0551.
