Use of Transrectal Ultrasound in the Evaluation of Stage A Cancer*

Abstract

One hundred thirty-three patients were examined by transrectal ultrasound before and/or after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for clinically benign obstructive disease. When transrectal ultrasound was done prior to transurethral resection, 33% of those with eventual proven Stage A cancer had positive examinations. Nineteen per cent of the biopsies of hypoechoic lesions of the transition zone contained cancer. Of the post-TURP patients with known Stage A cancer, 83% had positive transrectal ultrasound examinations. Forty-four per cent of the biopsies of hypoechoic lesions in this group were proven to be cancer. Transrectal ultrasound is of value both before and after TURP. Its overall impact is greater, however, for the post-TURP patient.