[Radiotherapy of prostatic cancer: staging and radiotherapy planning with transrectal ultrasound]

Transrectal ultrasound of the prostate is a cheap and well-reproducible examination for the prostate and seminal vesicles. The local tumor extension of a prostatic carcinoma can be visualized. By documentation of the ultrasound image on a polaroid paper picture, the topometric section of the prostate can be obtained. This picture can be used for dosimetry in individual radiation therapy-planning. Computed tomography is performed for detection of enlarged regional lymph nodes and demonstration of the topographic anatomy of the prostate in the lower pelvis.