Transrectal ultrasonography and biopsy of the prostate

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When compared to other solid organ malignancies, the diagnosis of prostate cancer is not reliant on imaging findings alone. Men found to have abnormal digital rectal examination findings, raised serum prostate-specific antigen levels, or both are subjected to prostate biopsy to arrive at a diagnosis. Since its introduction in the 1970s, Transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) plays a vital role in the diagnostic pathway to guide prostatic biopsy. However, many men are subjected to unnecessary biopsies, leading to a diagnosis of clinically-indolent cancer or occasionally missing a focus of clinically significant disease. Currently, TRUS-guided prostate biopsy performed under local anesthesia is in widespread use for the diagnosis of prostate cancer. The peripheral zone of the prostate showing a hypoechoic lesion is the most common finding consistent with prostate cancer. In this review, we aim to highlight the ultrasonographic anatomy of prostate, the technique, and associated complications along with a brief note on the recent advances in imaging technology for the diagnosis of prostate cancer.