Prostate Ultrasound

Prostate Ultrasound is a minimally invasive procedure that is done trans rectally (through the rectum). It usues high-frequency sound waves to produce a picture of the prostate gland.

It does not use x-ray or other radiation. And, unlike radiation, standard diagnostic ultrasound has no know side effects.

Prostate Ultrasound imaging is also in "real time". That means you can see the movement of the prostate gland as well as the blood flowing through the prostate. It is a great aid that helps physicians diagnose the condition of the prostate gland.

Ultrasound imaging is unlike prostate biopsy (needle biopsy), which is highly invasive and can cause more harm than good. Prostate biopsy can release normally contained cancer cells into the blood stream where they can then settle into bones and other organs to cause further cancers. Ultrasound does not do this.

And, unlike x-rays, Prostate Ultrasound causes no known health problems and can be repeated as often as necessary. It is also superior to x-ray. It gives a clear picture of soft tissues (like the prostate gland) which do not show up well on x-ray film.

Ultrasound is also much less expensive than an MRI.

Transrectal ultrasound imaging of the prostate gland is used to detect abnormalities within the prostate gland such as:

• Tumors in or on the prostate

• Prostate enlargement

• Male infertility

Physicians may want to see an ultrasound image if they feel a lump during a prostate exam or if the PSA level was high.

The procedure for ultrasound imaging of the prostate is very simple.

Usually you will be given an enema shortly before the test to empty out your bowel. Also you will probably be asked to drink many glasses of water so that your bladder will be full. A full bladder helps to view the prostate.

Then a covered lubricated instrument called a transducer will be inserted into your rectum. Inaudible high frequency sound waves will be emitted from this.

The imaging will usually be performed from different angles to give the best possible view of the prostate gland. The entire exam usually only lasts about 20 minutes.

The way it works is just like sonar on a ship. The sound waves are sent out from the transducer and they bounce back from the objects (organs) they hit. Like an echo. These "echoes" come back like a mirror image, but in sound. The transducer then also records these "echoes".

A computer then translates these sound wave "echoes" into pictures immediately visible on the computer screen. The pictures are in "real time". That means, with prostate ultrasound, you can actually see your prostate as it is functioning in that moment!

The entire video is usually videotaped so the physician can use it later to diagnose the condition of the prostate gland.

This is the same procedure used in a woman's vagina to view a developing baby.

Physicians who use Prostate Ultrasound imaging will typically call for a prostate needle biopsy if any tumors are found. This may or may not be something you wish to do when you know all the facts connected to prostate biopsy. Prostate Ultrasound has many advantages over prostate biopsy when diagnosing prostate tumors.

In any case, Prostate Ultrasound seems to be an effective and relatively harmless way to get a good look at the prostate gland. And, unlike x-ray or biopsy, it can safely be used repeatedly.

Be Well.....

~ William