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 non-cancerous 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: May 8, 2007
Medical Review:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Avery L. Seifert, MD - Urology Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine
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