[Early diagnosis of cancer of the prostate. Is is useful?]

Endorectal sonography (ES) + fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) constitute a considerable advancement in the diagnosis of prostate cancer (PC). With ES we can detect lesions less than 0.5 cm, and FNAB permits us to know its histologic nature. Both techniques complement each other and together permit accuracy and early diagnosis while other available methods do not. Cure of this tumor type, the second most frequent in men, is based on early diagnosis. Since early tumor staging is mandatory for adequate treatment, this can only be achieved if the tumor is diagnosed in the asymptomatic phase. The present study reviews the scant epidemiologic studies available reporting a prevalence of up to 30% in males over 50 years old. In our own study, our statistical data reveal a prevalence of 9.97/1000 which is no doubt lower than the true prevalence of this disease. We discuss the ultrasound features of prostate disease with a special focus on prostate cancer. Hypothetically, we compare the cost of screening or not screening for early diagnosis and conclude that this method is of the highest diagnostic value in early, correct treatment of this disease entity.