Sonographic characteristics of prostatic nodules with histologic correlation

The authors have performed over 400 endorectal US examinations of the prostate within the past 10 months, using both radial (4 and 5.5 MHz) and linear (5 MHz) probes. They prospectively characterized prostatic nodules located in the peripheral zone (PZ) of the gland according to their margination and internal sonographic characteristics. Sonographically guided biopsies of these lesions were performed in 96 patients. There were 21 malignant nodules and 75 benign nodules secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia, granulomatous prostatitis, and cellular atypia. All US studies preceded the biopsies. The experience suggests an overlap in the sonographic characteristics of benign and malignant prostatic nodules located in the PZ. The authors believed that due to their varied histologic diagnosis, including malignancy, all nodules in this high-risk location should be biopsied