Transrectal prostatic ultrasonography. Equipment, normal findings, benign hyperplasia and cancer.

The principles of transrectal ultrasound scanning of the prostate and current imaging facilities are reviewed. The ultrasonic anatomy of the normal prostate is described and illustrated. Exact volumetric determination of the gland is discussed, and the ultrasonic presentation of benign hyperplasia is surveyed. Ultrasonography is useful in the diagnosis of prostatic cancer and in T-staging the tumours. Ultrasonically guided needle biopsy of the prostate is an important component in cancer diagnosis. An aim for ongoing technical developments should be detection of prostatic cancer before it becomes palpable.