[Is the early diagnosis of prostatic cancer possible using transrectal echography?]

One of the major challenges of using prostate transrectal ultrasound scanning as a procedure to diagnose through images is the theoretical possibility of reaching an early diagnosis of prostate cancer. This paper compiles the author's experience in this field. Based on 142 established diagnosis of prostate cancer since 1984, the conclusion being reached is that prostate cancer has no pathognomonic signs, and therefore it is impossible to make an early diagnosis just by using the images obtained with transrectal ultrasound scanning. This procedure could be used, however, to select patients with scan abnormalities (Alarm signs) who should have a biopsy performed. The support of ultrasound-led transperineal biopsy of the prostate is currently indispensable to achieve an early diagnosis. This paper suggests that a biopsy should be done at the appearance of just one alarm sign, although this may involve a large number of cancer negative biopsies. The almost null incidence of complications from transperineal biopsies enhances this reasoning.