What is a TRUS biopsy?  

If you have suspected prostate cancer, you may have a prostate biopsy in order to obtain a sample of cells from your prostate for further investigation in a lab.  

A transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) biopsy is performed with your doctor using an ultrasound probe placed in the back passage to produce live images of your prostate. The needle passes through the wall of your back passage into the prostate. 

Your doctor may use the images from an MRI scan taken before your biopsy to choose where to take the samples from – this is called a transperineal targeted prostate biopsy.  

What is a transperineal (TP) biopsy?  

If you have suspected prostate cancer, you may have a prostate biopsy in order to obtain a sample of cells from your prostate for further investigation in a lab.  

A transperineal biopsy is where the needle passes through your perineum (the skin between your testicles and back passage).  

Your doctor may use the images from an MRI scan taken before your biopsy to choose where to take the samples from – this is called a transperineal targeted prostate biopsy.  

What is a blood test?  

A blood test is a collection of laboratory experiments on a sample of your blood to look for infections, analyse levels of circulating proteins, hormones and other substances, or to see if certain organs are functioning properly.  

During a colposcopy, a device called a speculum is placed within your vagina and gently opened so that your doctor can investigate abnormal cells in the cervix. It’s often performed after your results have come back from a routine cervical screening showing abnormal cells. 

What is a cystoscopy?  

A cystoscopy is a test where a thin camera, known as a cystoscope, is passed along your urethra to inspect the inside of the bladder. Cystoscopies are helpful for finding out the causes of bladder symptoms, can be used alongside a biopsy, or can help deliver treatment.

What is genetic testing?  

A genetic test involves analysing your DNA analysis to see if you are inherited any harmful genetic faults, known as mutations, which can increase your risk of certain cancers. Your doctor may recommend testing either one of your BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes if you have a family history of breast and ovarian cancer.  

What is a smear test?  

A smear test helps identify any cells that are susceptible to becoming cancerous. A sterile plastic brush is used to remove cells from inside your cervix and these will then be analysed further under a microscope.   

What are urine cytology tests?  

Urine cytology tests are a collection of laboratory experiments that look for abnormal cells in a sample of your urine. They’re useful for diagnosing cancers in the urinary tract such as the bladder, urethra or ureters.  

What are urodynamic studies?  

Urodynamic studies (UDSs) are a collection of tests which investigate how well your bladder, sphincter and urethra can hold and release urine. They’re helpful for finding out the causes for a range of bladder symptoms and can to help diagnose an enlarged prostate. These kinds of tests can be called a bladder scan or urinary flow analysis.