[Diagnostic accuracy of transrectal ultrasonography for screening of prostatic cancer]

Between January, 1994 and December, 1995, we performed systematic biopsy of the prostate in a secondary study of our mass screening program for prostatic diseases. Of the 3,219 males over 55 years of age, 25 patients with prostatic cancer (11 in stage B, 10 in stage C and 4 in stage D) were detected. Herein, the diagnostic accuracy of transrectal ultrasonography (TRS) was compared with that of prostate specific antigen (PSA) and digital rectal examination (DRE). The sensitivity of TRS, PSA and DRE for cancer were 80%, 84% and 64% respectively. The specificity, positive predictive value and accuracy of TRS for cancer were higher than those of PSA or DRE.