Prostate Biopsy

Biospy, Prostate

Results

A prostate gland biopsy is a test to remove small samples of prostate tissue to be examined under a microscope. Results are usually available within 10 days.

Prostate biopsy

Normal:	The prostate gland tissue samples appear normal under the microscope, with no signs of infection or cancer.
Abnormal:	Cancer cells or signs of infection are found.
	Signs of an abnormal noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH), tuberculosis, lymphoma, or rectal or bladder cancer are present.

If cancer cells are present, a grade (Gleason score) will be given, which your doctor will discuss with you. The Gleason score is considered a tool for predicting how aggressive the cancer is.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: March 12, 2007
Medical Review:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Avery L. Seifert, MD - Urology
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