To evaluate the usefulness of transrectal ultrasound associated with needle biopsy of the prostate, 365 patients, with age ranging between 50 and 80 years, were studied for a total of 412 biopsies; the ultrasound exam was performed when the clinical or the prostate specific antigen findings were pathological. Our experience confirms the high sensitivity and specificity of transrectal ultrasonography in detecting prostate cancer. It is our opinion that all the patients with positive or negative digital rectal examination but altered prostatic specific antigen or clinical exam should undergo transrectal ultrasonography associated with needle biopsy. The elevated operability of the studied patients shows the capability of ultrasound to detect the pathology in the early stages and its value in screening diagnosis should therefore be considered.
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