Biopsy And Gleason Score



In a biopsy a sample of the prostate tissue will be take using a long needle for lab test. A biopsy usually do not require hospitalization in most cases, but patient may be required to spend a night in the ward to monitor for bleeding or signs of infections.

Biopsy can be done via the rectum (transrectal biopsy), or through the skin between the scrotum and rectum (transperineal biopsy).

The extracted prostate cells are then analysed under the microscope to determine its nature, using the Gleason score. Gleason score can range from 2-10 and it indicate the likeliness of the tumor spreading. The lower the score, the less aggressive the tumor. A Gleason score of 7 and above is considered to be high and treatment should commence immediately.