The impact of transrectal ultrasound on stage migration in a predominantly African-American population.

An important question left unanswered is whether transrectal ultrasound will result in earlier diagnosis in African Americans. Tumor registry data for 1985 and 1990 for a predominantly African-American population were reviewed to determine whether transrectal ultrasound influenced the stage at diagnosis of prostate cancer. Diagnosis by ultrasound increased from 0% to 60% of cases in those 5 years. Curable diseases (stages A and B) increased from 38% to 57% of cases. It is concluded that transrectal ultrasound can increase the diagnostic yield of potentially curable disease in a predominantly African-American population.