FAQ

By all men after the age of 40, is the risk for prostate cancer high, therefore all men over 40 years of age should have the PSA controlled once a year. They should also have their prostate controlled by a urologist (DRE = digital rectal examination = finger examination of the prostate through the anus). The older a patient is, the higher is the risk for prostate cancer.

The elevation of PSA is not synonymous to prostate cancer and does not automatically mean that a prostate biopsy must be performed. PSA elevation in combination with a suspicious finding from the DRE places the indication for prostate biopsy. Moreover, alone a suspicious finding from the DRE even with a normal PSA is an indication for a prostate biopsy.

The only objective method for diagnosing prostate cancer is the prostate biopsy.

The biopsy is being performed via ultrasound guidance. Typically the urologist will remove 6 tissue probes from the one and 6 probes from the other side of the prostate. The whole procedure is being performed through the anus. During this procedure the bacteria from the rectum (intestine) will enter the prostate tissue, therefore all patients undergoing a prostate biopsy have to be treated with antibiotics before as well as after the procedure. The alternative method is to perform the prostate biopsy through the perineum. For the prostate biopsy an anesthesia is not a prerequisite.

If the suspicion for prostate cancer by the DRE is too high, and the biopsy leads to a negative finding (no cancer), the prostate biopsy may be performed again. This time the urologist may take 20 probes (10 from the right and 10 from the left side).

Actually there is no other alternative examination, which is more objective and secure for diagnosing prostate cancer and prostate biopsy is thought to be the gold standard of diagnosis by both the European and the American Urological Association.