Sponsored by
Not all biopsies are created equal – newer methods are safer and more reliable
Prostate Biopsy
With over two decades of experience as a urologist and men's health specialist, I have successfully guided countless men through the prostate cancer diagnosis journey. A crucial step in this process is the Prostate Biopsy, and the methods for conducting this test have evolved significantly over the years.
Let me walk you through how things have evolved and what that means for you or someone you care about.
Why We Do a Prostate Biopsy
As of early 2025, a biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosing prostate cancer. A biopsy involves taking a small sample of prostate tissue to look for cancer cells.
Historically, we relied mainly on:
PSA blood tests
Physical prostate exams
If either test was abnormal, the next step was a biopsy – often done without imaging guidance, meaning we couldn’t see exactly where to aim. That has changed.
Looking for unbiased, fact-based news? Join 1440 today.
Join over 4 million Americans who start their day with 1440 – your daily digest for unbiased, fact-centric news. From politics to sports, we cover it all by analyzing over 100 sources. Our concise, 5-minute read lands in your inbox each morning at no cost. Experience news without the noise; let 1440 help you make up your own mind. Sign up now and invite your friends and family to be part of the informed.
How Imaging Has Changed the Game
Today, we use:
MRI scans
PSMA PET scans
These imaging tools give us detailed information about the prostate and allow us to:
Pinpoint where a suspicious area is
Estimate the risk of cancer
Target that area during biopsy
This means more accurate diagnoses and fewer unnecessary biopsies.
There are Two main Types of Biopsy Techniques
Aspect | Transrectal Biopsy | Transperineal Biopsy |
|---|
Needle Path | Through the rectum | Through the skin near the perineum |
Common Location | North America | Australia (standard since 2010) |
Setting | In-office | In hospital |
Anaesthesia | Local anaesthetic | General anaesthetic |
Infection Risk | Up to 6–7% | Extremely low |
Advantages | Convenient, widely used | Safer, lower infection risk, increasingly preferred globally |
Usage Trend | Still common but being reconsidered due to infection risk | Growing in popularity due to improved safety profile |
Our focus has always been on safety and accuracy, and the Transperineal approach reflects this perfectly. At the Prostate Clinic, we've used this method for more than 15 years, completing many procedures without any infections. It's been a dependable choice throughout our journey.
Image-Guided Biopsies: Even More Accuracy - Newer techniques help us improve accuracy even further:
Cognitive Fusion Biopsy
The urologist reviews the MRI scan and “mentally fuses” it with the real-time ultrasound image during the biopsy.
Artemis Fusion Biopsy
We use software to match MRI scans with real-time ultrasound images
This helps us accurately target specific areas of concern
These techniques mean better sampling and a reduced chance of missing cancer that’s actually there.
What This Means for You
If you or someone close to you is facing a prostate biopsy:
Ask whether imaging (like an MRI) has been done first
Discuss the Transperineal approach with your specialist
Understand that not all biopsies are created equal – newer methods are safer and more reliable
We're Here to Help
We understand that this process can feel overwhelming. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way. At the Prostate Health Clinic, we've empowered thousands of men to take charge of their health with confidence. If you're eager to learn more or dive into your options, reach out to us today; whether you have questions or want to chat about your unique situation, feel free to contact us to book a consultation.