Only the biopsy provides certainty

The reliable diagnosis of prostate cancer can still only be made on the basis of a biopsy from the prostate and subsequent pathological examination of the tissue samples taken. Imaging examinations (MRI, ultrasound) alone run the risk of overlooking small tumors in particular in the event of a negative finding. Prostate biopsy therefore remains the only way to reliably detect a tumor in the prostate and accurately assess its spread and aggressiveness.

The West German Prostate Center offers the following biopsy procedures with state-of-the-art technology and extensive experience. However, due to the lower risk of infection and more precise diagnostics, the WPZ has specialized in perineal biopsy as well as MRI-guided prostate biopsy.

Transrectal prostate biopsy

The transrectal prostate stump biopsy (TRUS) under ultrasound control is used as a standard procedure for tissue sampling in most clinics. Complications usually occur extremely rarely. However, acute inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis) can occur in about one percent of patients. The reason for this is infection of the prostate with bacteria from the intestine.

Perineal biopsy

Perineal prostate biopsy is performed through the skin from the patient's perineum. A major advantage of the procedure is that infections of the prostate can be virtually ruled out. Prophylactic antibiotic administration is therefore not mandatory. This biopsy procedure is therefore also suitable for patients who have undergone prior surgery or radiation on the rectum, have an increased risk of infection or are suspected of having a tumor in the anterior part of the prostate.

MRI-guided biopsy

MRI-guided prostate biopsy (fusion biopsy) is a combination of modern imaging (multiparametric MRI) and targeted tissue sampling. In mpMRI, tumor foci are localized in the prostate, which can then be safely and precisely biopsied by perineal biopsy. By combining both procedures, a higher level of diagnostic accuracy can be achieved.