The diagnosis of early carcinoma of the prostate.

Careful palpation of the gland is a very important examination procedure in the detection of early carcinoma in the prostate. The finding of a suspicious area requires additional investigation, which must include histological examination of tissue from the suspected lesion. Adequate material for histological studies can usually be obtained by needle biopsy. The percutaneous perineal approach has been found satisfactory for this purpose. In those whose life expectancy is 10 years or more, prostatic carcinoma in its early stages should be treated by radical prostatectomy. For more advanced lesions or for patients whose life expectancy is less, hormonal therapy may be used.