Why it's done

A prostate biopsy is used to detect prostate cancer.

Your doctor may recommend a prostate biopsy if:

• A PSA test shows levels higher than normal for your age
• Your doctor finds lumps or other abnormalities during a digital rectal exam
• You've had a previous biopsy with a normal result, but you still have elevated PSA levels
• A previous biopsy revealed prostate tissue cells that were abnormal but not cancerous