Carcinoma of the prostate is a disease that threatens most men of advanced age. Early diagnosis can greatly improve the prognosis. With the use of ultrasound, the prostate can be visualized and many subtle changes can be documented. This article reviews the anatomy and sonographic appearance of the normal prostate as well as that of prostatic carcinoma. A detailed description of the scanning techniques, including the transabdominal, transperineal, endourethral, and endorectal approaches, is provided. The advantages and disadvantages of each approach, the equipment that is necessary, and ultrasound-guided biopsies are also discussed.
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