Comparison of transrectal fine-needle aspiration cytology and core needle biopsy in diagnosis of prostate cancer.

One hundred sixty-nine transrectal fine-needle aspirations of the prostate gland were performed in 166 patients over a two-year period. The results were compared with simultaneous core needle biopsy performed in all but 4 patients. Forty-seven (28%) aspirations were either unsatisfactory or inconclusive. Of the remaining 122 (72%) patients in whom a cytologic diagnosis could be made, core biopsy was available in 120. Aspiration cytology was 87 percent sensitive and 96 percent specific with an overall agreement of 93 percent with core biopsy. No major complications occurred. We conclude that fine-needle aspiration of the prostate is accurate, safe, and cost-effective, and greater application of this technique is encouraged.