[General features and strategy in the diagnosis of prostatic carcinoma]

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men as well as the second leading cause of cancer death. Age, family history and race are proved risk factors for developing a PCa. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) in combination with the digital rectal examination (DRE) has proven to be an essential element in early prostate cancer detection. Enthusiasm for using transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) alone to identify early prostate cancer has not been demonstrated with longer follow-up. The major role of TRUS today is to ensure accurate wide-area sampling of prostate tissue in men with PCa suspicion. This is best accomplished by targeted biopsy of TRUS-suspicious lesions and systematic biopsy of areas without hypoechoic lesions. Urologists recommend digital rectal examination and a PSA blood test annually starting at age 50.