PROSTATE-SPECIFIC ANTIGEN AND TRANSRECTAL ULTRASOUND OF THE PROSTATE IN DETECTION OF PROSTATE-CANCER

Detection of prostate cancer can be enhanced over the level historically obtained by digital rectal examination through the combined use of serum prostate-specific antigen and digital rectal examination, followed by transrectal ultrasonic examination of the prostate and ultrasonically guided biopsy if either of the initial studies is abnormal. Use of age-specific reference ranges for prostate-specific antigen results in greater sensitivity of this serum marker in patients below the age of 60 y and greater specificity in older patients.