An evaluation of lymphangiography in staging carcinoma of the prostate.

Pedal lymphangiography was done on 38 patients with stages O, A and B carcinoma of the prostate. The lymphangiograms were positive in 19 cases and negative in 19. Of 18 patients who underwent lymphadenectomy (9 with positive and 9 with negative studies) operative findings confirmed the lymphangiogram in 15 (83 per cent). In the 6 patients with osseous metastases and/or enzyme elevation, the lymphangiogram was positive. Furthermore, 13 patients with positive lymphangiograms had negative osseous and enzyme survey, emphasizing that nodal involvement may be the earliest finding in disseminated carcinoma of the prostate. The value of lymphangiography in staging carcinoma of the prostate prior to radical prostatectomy or irradiation seems well established.