Detection of Prostatic Cancer Using Transrectal Ultrasound and Sonographically Guided Biopsy in 1410 Symptomatic Patients

Twenty-three urologists evaluated 1410 symptomatic men by digital rectal examination (DRE), transrectal prostatic sonography (TRPS), and a sonographically guided needle biopsy when a hypoechoic lesion was seen. Irrespective of the finding on rectal examination, the cancer detection rates were highest in the seventh and eighth decades, being 13% and 20%, respectively. Cancer detection rates increased in this age group to 25% and 32% when the rectal findings were suspicious. Regardless of age, cancer was detected in enlarged prostate glands in between 6% and 7% of patients and between 3% and 4% of glands with other seemingly benign abnormalities on rectal examination. Overall cancer was detected in 13.4% using TRPS. As a diagnostic imaging tool, TRPS appeared to aid in the detection of cancer in symptomatic patients who presented with urologic symptoms.