Diagnosing Prostate Cancer

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If you are referred to a Urologist, be sure to bring along the PCCNC referral discussion guide (50KB PDF).

Prostate cancer is found in about 1 in 5 men who undergo a prostate biopsy. About 1% of a prostate is sampled in a typical prostate biopsy. The entire procedure takes 20 to 30 minutes and modern techniques greatly lessen discomfort

The biopsy will be examined by a pathologist who confirms whether or not cancer is present in the core samples. If you do have prostate cancer, important information can be obtained from the biopsy. Your Gleason Score, Clinical Stage, and the location within the prostate where your cancer was found can provide valuable information for understanding which treatment option is best for you.

You may want to request that your biopsy be performed in accordance with current AUA Guidelines. Please note, the patient or practice may want to confirm health coverage for these AUA guidelines to avoid unforeseen cost to the patient.

Request a local anesthetic
At least 10 to 12 biopsy cores (a cylinder of prostate tissue approximately 3/4 inch in length and 1/16 inch in width) should be taken
Ask that the 10-12 cores be stored in at least 5 to 6 containers and the samples in each container be analyzed separately. The containers should be labeled to indicate from which part of the prostate was taken.

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Prostate Cancer Coalition of North Carolina (PCCNC)
5905 Shamrock Road
Research Triangle Park, NC 27713
919.321.0365
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