Ultrasound of the prostate. Analysis of tissue texture and abnormalities.

Abstract

Thirty-nine patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy, prostatic carcinoma or prostatitis underwent ultrasonography using a transabdominal suprapubic approach. In benign hypertrophy and prostatitis, the gland was enlarged and exhibited a homogeneous echo pattern, being hypoechoic in prostatitis and hypo- or hyperechoic in hypertrophy. Carcinoma was characterized by focal areas of increased or decreased echogenicity with irregular margins. The various sonographic appearances are explained by correlation with the histological findings; the advantages of the transabdominal approach are discussed. Widespread application of this technique probably will improve early detection of prostatic carcinoma.