Diagnostic techniques in prostatic cancer.

At present no single test is effective in detecting prostatic carcinoma, although some newer tests show promise. Several investigators are working to increase the specificity and sensitivity of various radioimmunoassays for prostatic cancer detection, but to date this research has not been rewarding. Careful rectal examination and close attention to the patient's symptoms may still be the only keys to diagnosis. Patients in their 50s and 60s with acute onset of symptoms have a relatively high incidence of prostatic carcinoma. These patients should have a rectal examination and aspiration biopsy cytology of any suspicious areas found on examination. Possibly these patients should have aspiration biopsy cytology even in the absence of suspicious findings to screen for disease before it becomes an obvious clinical entity. This is perhaps the best approach to prostatic cancer, ie, attack at a time in which there are fewer cells and a greater chance of cure.