An ultrasound can help diagnose a prostate ailment.
Transrectal prostate ultrasound and biopsy are tests used to diagnose abnormal functioning of the prostate gland. They are generally employed when a man reports symptoms indicative of an enlarged prostate, and can be used to distinguish between several causes including benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, or prostate cancer. The procedures are minimally invasive and may be performed on an outpatient basis. The results of these two tests may conclusively determine the cause of the symptoms, or indicate further testing.
About the Prostate
The prostate gland is an integral part of the male reproductive system. It is located next to the bladder. The prostate gland surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen. Its primary function is to produce, store, and secrete a fluid component of semen; however, it also prevents urination from occurring during intercourse by sealing off bladder access to the urethra when the man is sexually excited.
Significance
As men age, it is common for their prostate glands to become enlarged. When this occurs, the prostate begins to place more pressure on the nearby bladder as well as the urethra, causing a host of uncomfortable urinary problems. Benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as BPH, is most often behind these symptoms, however they can also be caused by prostate cancer or chronic infection. Transrectal prostate ultrasound and biopsy can be employed to identify which condition is causing the symptoms.
Features
During a transrectal ultrasound, a probe that emits ultrasound waves is inserted into a man's rectum. The probe translates the ultrasound waves bouncing off of the exterior of the prostate into a picture of the gland. From this picture, the health care professional can identify any areas of abnormal growths on the surface of the gland. If such areas are identified, they may choose to take a biopsy of the tissue to determine if it is cancerous. A needle is inserted through the rectum to collect a sample of tissue, which is sent to the laboratory for analysis.
Effects
Based on the results of the transrectal prostate ultrasound and biopsy, a medical professional may be ready to make a diagnosis or recommend more testing. If the ultrasound identifies gland enlargement but the biopsy does not return any results, a diagnosis of BPH will likely be given. If the biopsy results indicate malignant cell growth, a PSA blood test might be ordered to measure the levels of prostate-specific anti-bodies in the blood. Elevated PSA levels can indicate cancer or chronic infection, and either diagnosis might then be entertained.
Considerations
A transrectal prostate ultrasound and biopsy procedure typically takes between five and 20 minutes depending on initial results. Your health care provider may ask you to perform an enema before these procedures to remove an excess fecal matter from the rectum. Local anesthesia may be applied on request or if a biopsy of the gland is taken.
Tags: prostate ultrasound biopsy, prostate gland, ultrasound biopsy, cancer chronic, cancer chronic infection
