What is a prostate biopsy?

A prostate biopsy is a medical procedure where tiny pieces of tissue are removed from the prostate to detect cancer, according to the Cleveland Clinic. This procedure is most often done when a rectal exam and a prostate-specific antigen test, or PSA, test suggest that prostate cancer may be present.

During the biopsy, a local anesthetic is administered, and a hollow needle is used to remove tissue samples from the prostate. The prostate biopsy is usually an outpatient procedure. Some side effects include bloody stool or urine for some days after the biopsy or bloody ejaculate for some weeks afterward. These side effects will go away on their own with no more treatment required.