Diagnosing Prostate Cancer
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. | |
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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.
The information and opinions expressed on this web site are not an endorsement or recommendation for any medical treatment, product, service or course of action by the Prostate Cancer Coalition of North Carolina or its officers and directors. For medical, legal or other advice, please consult appropriate professionals of your choice.
Prostate Cancer Coalition of North Carolina (PCCNC)
5905 Shamrock Road
Research Triangle Park, NC 27713
919.321.0365
email