Trans-rectal Biopsy

Monday 22/10/2007 - 8:45am.

Attended the Monavale Pathology Unit to undergo a 'transrectal ultrasound/biopsy'.

Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, involves exposing part of the body to high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body.

Ultrasound exams do not use ionizing radiation (x-ray). Because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can show the structure and movement of the body's internal organs, as well as blood flowing through blood vessels.

Ultrasound imaging is usually a painless medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. The prostate or transrectal ultrasound provides pictures of a man's prostate gland. It is a minimally invasive ultrasound because it sends sound waves through the rectum.

Ultrasound Equipment

Ultrasound scanners consist of a console containing a computer and electronics, a video display screen and a transducer that is used to scan the body.

The transducer is a small hand-held device that resembles a microphone, attached to the scanner by a cord. The transducer sends out a high frequency sound wave and then listens for a returning sound wave or "echo."

The ultrasound image is immediately visible on a nearby screen that looks much like a computer or television monitor. The image is created based on the amplitude (strength), frequency and time it takes for the sound signal to return from the patient to the transducer. For ultrasound procedures requiring insertion of the transducer, such as transvaginal or transrectal exams, the device is covered and lubricated.

Transrectalultrasound

A painless procedure in which an instrument is inserted into the rectum and sound waves bounce off the prostate, producing a picture of the prostate which can be used to help identify abnormal areas requiring a biopsy. If the results of the transrectal ultrasound are normal, you may be able to wait and repeat the PSA test a few months later and then have a biopsy if needed.

Figure 2: Transrectal ultrasound

Biopsy

In this procedure a sample of cells, tissue or fluid is removed from the prostate and viewed under a microscope, to check for signs of the disease. There are two types of biopsy:

Transrectal biopsy: a needle is inserted through the rectum into the prostate and a sample of prostate tissue is removed.

Figure 3: Transrectal biopsy

Transperineal biopsy: a needle is inserted through the skin between the scrotum and rectum into the prostate and a sample of prostate tissue is removed.

Both biopsy procedures are short and you can usually go home the same day. A biopsy is the only way to confirm or diagnose the presence of prostate cancer.

If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, your specialist may want to carry out some further tests to find out if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. The results of these tests help your doctor to decide which is the best type of treatment for you.