Interpretation of prostate ultrasound results: accepted standards

Almost all prostate diseases have a number of symptoms, which may vary in intensity, depending on the disease:

• problems with urination;
• frequent urge to urinate;
• pain in the lower abdomen, perineum and scrotum;
• sexual dysfunction and/or ejaculation disorder;
• blood in urine and semen.

At the first appointment, in most cases, the patient is told that he needs to have an ultrasound of the prostate gland and bladder.

Ultrasound of the prostate gland, why is it done? Ultrasound allows you to determine the size of the prostate and the degree of inflammation, and determine the presence of stones and cysts.

IMPORTANT: due to constant problems with urination, the urologist also prescribes an ultrasound of the bladder to diagnose the condition of the walls of the organ and the amount of residual urine. Due to the impaired outflow of urine, the walls become denser, followed by thinning and loss of elasticity. An associated disease with prostatitis is inflammation of the bladder, which can develop into cancer.

Below we will look at how an ultrasound of the prostate gland is performed.

Indications for TRUS of the glandular organ:

• painful urination and frequent urge, especially worse at night;
• prostate adenoma or suspicion of its development;
• potency disorders;
• pain in the groin area;
• if a couple has problems conceiving, but the woman is healthy;
• if the urine stream has weak pressure during urination;
• if during rectal palpation the doctor suspects existing pathologies;
• in case of deviations from the norm in urine analysis;
• if deviations are detected in the spermogram results;
• Upon reaching 45 years of age, the procedure must be performed regularly.

Video 1. TRUS of the prostate.

About diseases

Prostate problems are a consequence of hormonal imbalance coupled with hypothermia and a sedentary lifestyle. Prolonged sexual abstinence, systematic stress, various types of infections and even poor nutrition can provoke inflammation of the prostate.

The treatment of prostate diseases is carried out by a urologist; this is a rather lengthy process. If the clinic does not have a urologist, a therapist can also prescribe treatment. In addition to drug treatment, physiotherapy, massage and stimulation of the prostate (with the exception of acute infectious diseases) and a special diet are prescribed.

How do they do it?

The procedure for ultrasound examination of the glandular male organ is as follows:

1. A man whose bladder is filled with fluid lies on his left side. His legs should be bent and pressed to his chest.
2. The doctor selects a special anatomical sensor with a diameter of about two cm and puts a medical condom on it. Then the sensor is inserted into the anus, that is, rectally, approximately 6 cm. If the direction indicates the study of the seminal vesicles or prostate, then the depth of insertion should be greater.

If it is necessary to assess the degree of bladder emptying (RUR - determination of residual urine), after the initial examination the patient will be asked to go to the toilet. Then the gland is examined again, along with the bladder. Then they make calculations and formulate conclusions about the presence of pathologies based on how much urine remains after urination.

The TRUS procedure must be performed on the basis of a referral from the attending urologist, and the patient can decide where and how he will undergo the study. You can do this for free with a compulsory medical insurance policy at a municipal clinic or for a fee at any private medical center.

The price of the service lies in a fairly wide range: from 800 to 2500 rubles. The cost depends on the location of the clinic, the qualifications of its specialists and the class of equipment.

Norms for prostate size

An ultrasound photo of the prostate gland is called a “sonogram” or “echogram”

The prostate increases gradually throughout a man’s life; after 45-50 years, its growth accelerates. The volume of the prostate gland is largely determined by hormonal levels and genetic predisposition.

The prostate gland can enlarge due to inflammation or congestion (lack of regular ejaculation) in a young man with prostate cancer. Therefore, each age group has its own normal limits.

Transverse 2.7–4.3 cm Anterior–posterior 1.6–2.3 cm

Upper–lower 2.4–4.1 cm

The data presented are relevant for assessing the size of the prostate in young men over 18 years of age; these sizes increase with age.

How is prostate volume calculated?

There is a special formula for calculating the average volume of the prostate gland.

Age is multiplied by a factor of 0.13 and added 16.4. The resulting number is a normal indicator of prostate volume for a man of a given age.

50 *0.13 16.4 = 22.9 cm cubic.

This means that the age norm for a 50-year-old man is in the range from 22.9 to 30 cm cubic.

After 50 years, normally, the maximum volume should not be more than 30 cm 3, and at the age of 19 to 50, a volume of up to 25 cm 3 is allowed.

In general, the device itself produces the volume of the prostate, taking into account the assessment of linear indicators: all obtained sizes are multiplied by a factor of 0.52.

Note that if the volume of the prostate is greater than the age norm, this does not necessarily indicate a pathological process, but further observation should not be refused.

What can be assessed on a prostate ultrasound

• Amount of residual urine. • Dimensions. • Structure of gland tissue. • Volume of hyperplastic prostate tissue. • Capsule. • Contours. • Blood flow. • Condition of surrounding tissues. • Pathological formations, their location and size. • Growth of adenomatous nodes in BPH.

• Seminal vesicles.

Ultrasound clearly visualizes tissue with an atypical structure. On the echogram you can see calcifications, a tumor, a cyst, an inflammatory focus, a stone.

Modern devices have a number of very useful devices for more accurate diagnosis. Doppler ultrasound evaluates the blood flow of the organ and the pathological tumor. And the arteries and veins in the body can be represented on the screen, like on a geographical map.

The echographic picture of prostate cancer differs from that of a cyst, but it is not possible to verify the diagnosis using ultrasound diagnostics.

The norms for the size and volume of the prostate are different and directly depend on age - the older the man, the larger the size of the prostate. Any disease of the prostate gland will be manifested by its enlargement.

When performing an ultrasound, three main parameters are taken into account:

• transverse size (norm 2.7-4.7 cm);
• length from front to back wall (norm 1.5-3 cm);
• length from base to top (norm 2.4-4.1).

By multiplying the resulting numbers, the total volume of the prostate is determined. In addition to size, the density of tissues and the uniformity of certain areas are taken into account. Based on the data received, the uzist writes a preliminary diagnosis, which the urologist compares with the results of clinical tests.

REFERENCE: the size of the prostate of a young man of 20 years old should not exceed 18-20 cm3, up to 30 years old the volume is considered to be 23-24 cm3, at 40 years old 25-26 cm3, then with each subsequent decade an increase in volume by 2-3 cm3 is allowed. With inflammation, the size of the prostate can increase by 15-20%.

Read more about prostate ultrasound, interpretation of final results and options.

The normal prostate gland is a symmetrical organ, the shape of which can be triangular, semicircular or oval. In the transverse projection, the posterior contour of the organ is not always visually separated from the rectum.

Structurally, the organ is heterogeneous. Its capsule has a clear separation from the glandular tissue in terms of signal density.

Dimensions of a normal prostate:

• length – from 24 to 40 mm;
• width – from 27 to 43 mm;
• thickness – from 15 to 23 mm.

In terms of volume, there are two variants of norms: according to some data, the normal volume of an organ is 200 cm³, and according to others – 280 cm³.

When examining a healthy gland transrectally, the doctor identifies periurethral glands of a hypoechoic structure, as well as a triangular seminal mound (with a reduced echo signal, up to 2 mm in size).

Reference! If the doctor needs additional information about the prostate to differentiate the organ from surrounding tissues and properly diagnose it, he may recommend a color Doppler scan to the patient.

In addition, TRUS visualizes: the neck of the bladder, the rectum, the tissue surrounding the prostate and the ejaculatory ducts.

Pathologies

What does it show? TRUS allows you to timely identify diseases such as:

• prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate);
• vesiculitis (inflammation of the seminal vesicles);
• epididymitis (inflammation of the epididymis);
• prostate adenoma (benign tumor);
• organ hyperplasia (pathological proliferation of glandular tissue);
• infertility;
• malignant neoplasms.

The presence of suspicions of at least some of these pathologies (especially their confirmation) should immediately trigger a response in the form of prescribing treatment for the affected pelvic organ in men.

Advantages and disadvantages

Both the doctor and the patients, speaking positively about the ultrasound of the glandular organ, confirm the high content and effectiveness of the method.

A rectal examination compares favorably in its diagnostic qualities with other methods of examining the prostate.

For example, during this study, you can evaluate not only the condition of the prostate tissue or the presence of tumors in it, but also examine the rectum, bladder and kidneys.

The procedure is indispensable if you need to determine the size of an organ, its symmetry and structural features. In addition, TRUS is well suited for assessing the condition of the seminal vesicles (you just need to insert the sensor deeper).

Many men are interested in the question: is it painful to undergo such an examination? One of the advantages is that TRUS is performed in a comfortable environment for the patient, quickly and without pain. In addition, you can be examined as often as necessary.

Reference! If oncopathology (cancer) is suspected, tissue can be taken for biopsy using a special instrument during TRUS.

The procedure has a minimum of contraindications.

Source: https://pechen.top/diagnostika/snimki-truzi-prostaty/

Ultrasound of the prostate gland: interpretation of the results - normal or pathological

When performing an ultrasound of the prostate gland, deciphering the results is a difficult task for many patients. But this is one of the reliable methods for examining the male organ. A qualified specialist will tell you what the numbers and other descriptions indicate. But if desired, each patient can learn to recognize the differences between normal processes and pathological ones on paper.

Indications for ultrasound examinations

If a man complains of discomfort, pain and other signs of problems with the prostate gland, the doctor prescribes an ultrasound scan. The procedure is indicated in the following situations:

• pain during urination;
• the appearance of blood in the urine or seminal fluid;
• pain in the pelvic area;
• discomfort during sexual intercourse;
• there is a feeling that the bladder is constantly full;
• during urination, the man notes a weak stream pressure;
• serious problems with the kidneys;
• there is a frequent urge to go to the toilet, but a small amount of urine is released.

Ultrasound examination is prescribed to patients if at least one of the above listed signs of the development of pathological processes is present.

The decoding will certainly show the presence of a serious disease in the prostate gland or genitourinary system.

In addition, a man needs to consult a urologist after the first signs indicating the disease appear. Ultrasound will help determine the true source of the development of pathological processes.

Just deciphering the results of an ultrasound examination does not provide complete confidence in the development of inflammation, disease or for establishing a diagnosis. The patient needs to undergo additional tests.

How to understand the results of the examination?

After each procedure, specialists give the patient a specific form. It contains all descriptions, characteristics and parameters of the study. As a rule, during an ultrasound, the doctor pays attention to the following indicators:

1. Dimensions of the prostate gland. Their increase indicates the development of adenoma or prostatitis, a malignant formation.
2. Echogenicity of the organ. If the reflection of sound waves increases, this indicates the development of chronic prostatitis. Increased density of the organ also indicates the deposition of calcium salts. Against the background of an acute inflammatory process, the reflection of sound waves decreases.
3. Prostate volume. Normal parameters are within 30 cm3. An enlarged organ indicates the presence of pathological processes and inflammation, the development of adenoma or cancer cells.
4. How homogeneous is the structure? Various changes indicate signs of diseases, including a malignant tumor, an inflammatory process, a cyst, an abscess, the presence of nodes and calcifications.
5. The contours should be symmetrical and clear. Other information indicates serious oncological processes, under the influence of which the shape and volume of the prostate gland change.
6. Are cysts, stones or calcifications present?
7. What is the condition of the ducts through which sperm exits?

In addition, qualified specialists pay attention to the state of blood flow and vascularization during an ultrasound of the prostate. If cancerous pathological processes develop in it, the number of new vessels increases.

The procedure also allows you to determine the consistency and density of prostate tissue. An increase in parameters indicates the development of a chronic inflammatory process, expansion of connective tissues and the formation of cancer cells.

Normal parameters

Depending on the age of a man, the size of the prostate gland changes. Already at 20–25 years, the organ reaches its normal size and does not grow further if all the physiological processes of the male body proceed normally. Developing pathologies affect the condition of the gland, it increases. Therefore, such abnormalities can be seen on prostate ultrasound.

Not only the structure of the organ changes, but also the functioning of the entire male reproductive system. Sometimes the cause of all troubles is a malignant tumor.

Considering that the urethra passes through the prostate, urinary retention occurs against the background of many disorders.

Normal prostate ultrasound interpretation

Dimensions of a healthy organ	18.7 – 26.8 cm3
Length when viewed from the background or foreground	2.4 – 4.0 cm
Width when viewed from cross plan	3.0 – 4.5 cm
Thickness	1.5-2.5 cm
Prostate outline	Clear, smooth
Echoic state	Average
Structure	Heterogeneous fine-grained type
Forms	Oval, triangle or crescent
Mass (gland volume and specific density coefficient are taken into account)	26.5 – 30 g
Accommodation	Behind the bladder

As a rule, after the procedure, the doctor helps his patients understand and decipher all the results obtained. Ultrasound data may be inaccurate. It all depends on the individual characteristics of each patient. We are talking about the structure of the body, weight, physique of a man. Hereditary factors, the patient’s age and other aspects are taken into account.

Therefore, qualified specialists do not recommend deciphering the results on their own, especially without certain medical knowledge. The treatment of a man depends on the correct diagnosis. Doubtful data will be a reason for additional tests and studies to determine the exact cause of the violations.

Parameters for the development of pathologies

Depending on the occurrence of a particular disease, ultrasound will show the following results:

1. Adenoma. The size of the prostate gland increases significantly. The study will show the appearance of inclusions if it is a nodular form. In this case, the formations will be accompanied by high echogenicity, the size of the prostate reaches 0.7 cm. On an ultrasound, the doctor will notice the presence of cysts or calcifications. The diffuse form is characterized by a heterogeneous, pronounced structure of the prostate tissue, as well as the absence of nodes.
2. Prostatitis. If the echogenicity parameter is exceeded, then a chronic form of the disease develops. When the indicators are too low, an acute inflammatory process occurs. The contours of the prostate gland become unclear, and it is impossible to differentiate the tissues. An anechoic or hypoechoic formation indicates a developing abscess.
3. Cyst. Ultrasound of the prostate shows the presence of hypo or anechoicity, as well as small formations, within 0.5 cm. Similar disorders can occur in a healthy man.
4. Stones in the prostate gland. They are indicated by small areas with hyperechogenicity. They can have different volumes and be present in multiple quantities at once.
5. Prostate cancer. The disease is more common in men over 60 years of age. As a rule, pathological processes occur without characteristic signs, so the doctor makes the diagnosis too late and prescribes special treatment, which does not always help. To detect the development of cancer cells at an early stage, all men are recommended to undergo a prostate ultrasound every year.

For information! If cancer cells develop in the prostate gland, the contours of the organ change, but as for echogenicity, its changes are not very specific for malignant formations.

Against the background of the development of cancer, nodular formations appear, distinguished by echogenicity parameters. If the lymph nodes are up to 2 cm in size or larger, then the doctor may prescribe additional studies to determine the nature of the pathological processes.

Many prostate diseases are detected using prostate ultrasound. This is the most reliable examination method, which shows 80% accurate results.

Therefore, most specialists prescribe an ultrasound examination at the first signs of a disease of the genitourinary system.

Doppler ultrasound helps to assess the state of the circulatory system, which is also important for a comprehensive examination of the patient.

Source: http://proprostatu.ru/diagnostika/uzi-predstatelnoj-zhelezy-rasshifrovka-rezultatov.html

How to do an ultrasound of the prostate gland

The most informative and accessible way to obtain information about the processes occurring in the prostate is ultrasound.

With the help of wave irradiation, doctors can understand whether there are inflammatory processes in the organ, whether there are abscesses, cysts or stones.

Let's look at how a prostate ultrasound is done, talk about the main methods, preparation for them, results and their interpretation.

In what cases is prostate ultrasound necessary?

Various pathologies in the prostate gland do not have characteristic signs. Men complain of health problems, which can also manifest themselves in cases of damage to the bladder, kidneys, and testicles. Therefore, ultrasound of the prostate is necessary in the following cases:

• complaints of pain in the perineum, penis, scrotum, lower abdomen and lower back;
• problems with urination - sluggish stream, frequent urge, lack of process;
• prostate pain during rectal examination;
• disorders in reproductive functions - early ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, pain during sex;
• discharge from the penis is purulent, mixed with blood, and foul-smelling.

Ultrasound of the prostate in these cases is an effective tool for determining acute or chronic prostatitis, benign hyperplasia, and prostate cancer. If the results do not reveal pathological changes in the tissues, the doctor may diagnose “chronic pelvic pain syndrome” (abacterial prostatitis).

Most often, the bladder is also examined along with the prostate gland. Assessing the condition of its walls will allow us to better understand the cause of urination problems.

Depending on the goals and contraindications, a man can undergo an abdominal or transrectal ultrasound. The second method is more informative, but is prohibited for hemorrhoids, rectal fissures or violations of the integrity of the anus. Let's look at the features of each method.

Abdominal ultrasound

In an abdominal ultrasound of the prostate, ultrasound waves are directed at the organ using a transducer that is moved across the patient's abdomen. This technique is characterized by the absence of contraindications and painlessness, but the results are not always of high quality.

Features of preparation and diagnostic progress

No special preparation is required before this examination method. However, doctors recommend eliminating foods that cause flatulence in the intestines from the diet for 1-2 days. Also, a few hours before the test, you need to drink about a liter of clean water - this is necessary to fill the bladder.

The examination technique is the same as for ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, the only difference is the location of the sensor. The man lies down on the couch, the doctor applies a special gel to the skin of the lower abdomen, and then scans the prostate.

Abdominal ultrasound of the prostate has limited tissue visualization capabilities due to the inconvenient location of the organ. There will also be no accurate results if a man has abdominal obesity.

Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)

A more informative method compared to the previous one. The delivery of an ultrasound wave through the wall of the rectum allows you to obtain a clearer picture of the organ, accurately determine the location and area of ​​inflammatory processes and identify tumors of different sizes. However, in this case, the preparation requirements are stricter, and there are contraindications.

Preparing for transrectal ultrasound

If a man follows the rules of preparation, he will be able to get a more accurate picture of the changes occurring in the organ. This means that the doctor will be able to choose the most appropriate treatment tactics for the disease.

Brief reminder to the patient:

• 1-2 days before the test date, exclude legumes, cabbage and other foods that contribute to the formation of gases from your diet;
• give up alcohol;
• in the evening and the next day, do a cleansing enema;
• an hour before TRUS, drink a liter of water;
• If the doctor has given any other recommendations, do not neglect them.

Don't forget to bring your referral for testing with you. If you have problems with urinary incontinence, you are allowed to drink water upon arrival at the clinic, not at home.

How to make TRUS

During a transrectal examination, the sensor is inserted into the anus, so the man should be calm, not worry and follow the doctor’s instructions. The course of the event is approximately as follows:

1. The patient takes off his clothes and puts on a special gown.
2. Lies on the couch on his side, bending his knees and tucking them towards his stomach.
3. The doctor puts a condom on the sensor (to prevent infection) and lubricates it with Vaseline.
4. The sensor is carefully inserted to a depth of 7 cm.
5. The ultrasound technician performs translational, inclined and rotational movements with the device, depending on the design of the device and the type of scanning.

An image of the prostate tissue is displayed on the monitor and can be printed if necessary.

The diameter of the sensor does not exceed 2 cm, so a man usually does not feel pain. Depending on the condition of the anus and rectum, there may be slight discomfort or an urge to defecate, which should not be ignored. Unpleasant sensations disappear 10-15 minutes after manipulation.

Rectal ultrasound can detect even a slight increase in the size of the prostate, which is important for the early diagnosis of prostatitis and prostate adenoma. The doctor can also clearly see the neck of the bladder.

• An abdominal or rectal ultrasound can reveal various abnormalities in the tissues of the prostate gland, but you won’t be able to decipher the diagnostic results yourself - you need to have an idea of ​​the normal parameters and master the terminology.
• Modern devices can identify the following problems:
• The examination also allows you to find out whether the outflow of venous blood is impaired and whether prostatitis is complicated by vesiculitis.
• The prostate will also noticeably increase in size. Normally, these indicators have the following values:

• width – 2.7-4.7 cm;
• thickness – 1.6-2.3 cm;
• length – 2.4-4.1 cm.

The volume of the prostate gland of an adult and healthy 40-year-old man is 25-26 cm3, and this figure will increase with age. In younger men, prostate volume is 18-24 cm3.

Inflammation is indicated by an increase in volume by 10% relative to normal, increased or decreased echogenicity.

Conclusion

Prostate ultrasound is highly informative, therefore it is part of screening for men over 40 years of age, and is also indispensable in a set of diagnostic measures aimed at diagnosing pathologies in the prostate gland. More accurate results can only be obtained using MRI or CT examinations, but their cost is slightly higher.

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Source: https://prostatits.ru/prostatit/kak-delaetsya-uzi-prostaty.html

All about deciphering prostate ultrasound: normal or pathology of the organ

Various diagnostic methods are used to identify prostate pathologies. Ultrasound examination of this organ is considered the most accurate, informative and accessible among all. What can be revealed, and how is prostate ultrasound deciphered correctly?

Briefly about prostate ultrasound

In rare cases, when a patient has contraindications to rectal ultrasound, abdominal ultrasound is also used. It is carried out along the patient's abdomen. Such a study is considered less informative, since the patient’s skin and layers of fat in this place interfere with the correct assessment of the size, contours and other characteristics of the organ, which means that identifying pathology will also not be so successful. In obese patients with a significant layer of fat, ultrasound examination of the abdomen is not performed at all.

The positive aspects of ultrasound examination of the prostate include the fact that the patient receives the results almost immediately, in his hands. In addition to the diagnosis, the specialist can also provide images of the prostate gland, which will help the urologist to correctly assess the scale of the problem in the future.

Interpretation of prostate ultrasound: main characteristics

These include those indicators that must be present in the research protocol. This is a necessary minimum, without which it is simply impossible to correctly assess the work and structure of the organ. So, what are these characteristics:

1. Structure. Normally it should be uniform. Small inclusions of other tissue in the structure of the prostate gland may indicate a problem. Thus, adenomatous nodes will indicate a greater likelihood of prostate adenoma. If the ultrasound specialist has identified stable lesions with reduced echogenicity, then these formations may be stones or cyst-like formations in the prostate gland. Special attention is paid to the lesions highlighted in the ultrasound picture in a dark color, which practically do not reflect the ultrasound directed at them. Such neoplasms in the form of small inclusions can be harbingers of cancer cells.
2. Contours. Normally, they should be clear and even, without individual foci that stand out against the background of the entire organ. The prostate gland is a symmetrical organ, that is, all its parts must be identical and have a mirror structure. The presence of asymmetry, or more precisely, an increase in any lobe of the prostate, indicates the presence of pathology in this place. This can be either a neoplasm localized in this area or inflammation of the prostate - prostatitis, in which pathological processes are especially active in this part of the organ.
3. Size. The anterior size should not exceed 2.5 cm, the transverse size should be within 2.7-4.2 cm, and the longitudinal size should be within 2.4-4.0 cm. Also, the uzist will necessarily indicate the volume of the organ, which is calculated according to formula. This volume of a healthy prostate has an average value of 25 cm or less. This data is necessary for the urologist to determine the enlargement of the organ itself (prostate volume), as well as its individual parts and lobes. If any indicators are exceeded, it makes sense to check the organ for the presence of neoplasms, cysts or inflammation.
4. Volume of residual urine. This indicator is measured immediately after the ultrasound examination of the prostate is completed. The patient must go to the toilet, urinate and lie down again on the couch with the ultrasound specialist. The volume of residual urine should not exceed 15 ml. Indicators exceeding this volume will indicate problems with urination. In turn, this happens as a result of disruption of the bladder, kidneys, as well as an enlarged prostate, which puts pressure on the urinary ducts. In a word, the urologist has reason to assume the presence of pathology in the patient’s genitourinary organs.

What diseases can be detected by prostate ultrasound results?

Identification of diseases in this case is just a suspicion of them, and not a final diagnosis. So, what can be revealed from the ultrasound results:

1. Prostate adenoma. In addition to increasing the size of the organ, the ultrasound specialist should pay attention to individual areas with altered contours where adenomatous nodes are concentrated. Such pathological prostate tissue reflects ultrasound unevenly, which is clearly visible on the monitor picture in the form of a heterogeneous structure of the gland.
2. Prostatitis. In addition to the increase in size of the organ, the uzist will also note increased echogenicity of the tissues. In the presence of an inflammatory process, a heterogeneous structure in the organ will not be observed. The ultrasound specialist must also check the condition of the seminal vesicles and the lumen of the ducts in this area. Enlargement of the ducts will also indicate their involvement in the inflammatory process, although sometimes such a sign is just a symptom of prolonged sexual abstinence.
3. Cyst. In this case, the ultrasound specialist will see a separate formation with clear contours, which clearly stands out against the background of the entire gland. The ultrasound specialist is obliged to record its dimensions in the examination protocol. Most often, a similar situation occurs against the background of chronic prostatitis, but sometimes a cyst also appears with an adenoma.
4. Prostate cancer. The ultrasound specialist will see uneven and unclear contours of the organ, heterogeneity in the structure of the gland, as well as dark spots that almost do not reflect ultrasound. In general, prostate cancer is almost never diagnosed using prostate ultrasound. To confirm suspicions, the patient will definitely be sent for an organ biopsy, and only after it will it be possible to say which cells - normal or cancerous - make up the contents of the organ.

Ultrasound results: normal

Normally, the uzologist will give a conclusion in which the following phrase will be indicated: “The ECHO did not reveal any signs of the disease.”

This does not indicate a complete absence of the disease, but rather that even in the presence of pathology, the functioning of the organ is not yet dangerous.

If the patient’s other tests are also normal, then we can state that his prostate is completely healthy. If the results of other tests are not so rosy, then it makes sense for the patient to undergo other diagnostic methods.

Can an uzologist indicate diagnoses in the report?

Based on the ultrasound results, a specialist can only suspect the presence of a pathology. The more diagnostic methods a patient goes through, the more accurate and clear his diagnosis will be, and therefore the treatment will most likely be correct.

Why else is it necessary to perform a prostate ultrasound?

This study is carried out not only to identify pathology, but also in the process of treating prostate pathology. Deciphering the ultrasound will help monitor the condition of the organ.

Thus, a decrease in the size of the prostate will indicate the correctness of treatment and a speedy recovery of the patient. A stable pathological condition indicates the possible futility of the therapy and the need to replace medications.

If the situation worsens based on the ultrasound results, the doctor must take urgent measures, including performing surgery on the patient.

In addition, the ability to take a photograph of the organ during a prostate ultrasound is of great importance. How can she help the urologist? So, if there are cysts or calcifications (stones) in this organ, it is impossible to reliably determine their location “by touch”. If the patient is planning to undergo surgery in the near future, then this data will help the surgeon correctly assess his actions in advance.

Finally, if the results of the biopsy confirmed that dark formations with low echogenicity are cancer cells, then a photograph of a prostate ultrasound of this area will indicate their exact location. This information is simply necessary when conducting radiation therapy, because, if possible, only pathogenic metastatic cells should be irradiated, and not healthy tissue.

Sources: medicalnewstoday.com, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, health.harvard.edu.

Source: https://konstantinsmirnov.ru/diagnostika/prostata/rasshifrovka-uzi-prostaty.html

Options for conducting and deciphering the final results of prostate ultrasound

Ultrasound examination of the prostate gland can detect dysfunction of this organ.

During the procedure, the prostate is irradiated with sound waves. Reflecting from tissues, they form an image on the monitor.

The specialist reads the information and enters the data into the patient’s card.

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Options

Ultrasound of the prostate can be performed using two methods:

1. Transrectal. The patient lies down on the couch and bends his knees. Through the anal canal, the organ is examined with a thin endorectal sensor. The doctor does not inject it deeply, so there is no discomfort. The intestines must first be emptied.
2. Transabdominal. The man frees his stomach from clothes and lies down on the couch. The bladder should be full. Transabdominal access is a painless procedure during which the abdominal cavity is examined with a special sensor through a gel guide.

 
The first method is considered more informative than the second; it gives more accurate results and better image quality.

IMPORTANT! It often happens that after a transabdominal examination, clarification of the diagnosis is required, and the person is sent for a transrectal ultrasound.

Interpretation of prostate ultrasound is usually done by a urologist. Each procedure is accompanied by filling out a protocol on a separate paper form. It indicates the main characteristics and basic parameters of the organ.

A healthy prostate is clearly visible on the screen; it has a uniform structure and a clear contour.

The following values ​​are considered a variant of the norm:

• thickness from 15 to 25 mm;
• width from 23–27 to 40–41 mm;
• length from 24–25 to 40–45 mm.

Small deviations from these parameters can be considered normal if the doctor does not detect other pathological changes in the prostate gland.

The size of the organ largely depends on the age of the man. The prostate gland begins to grow at 10–12 years of age and ends at 17–19 years of age. An enlarged prostate in later life should raise alarm bells.

Read about how to determine the size of the prostate gland using ultrasound here.

After determining three parameters of an organ, the specialist calculates its volume. A healthy gland has a volume of no more than 30 cm³. Another required value for measurement is the amount of residual urine, which is determined after urination.

A strong excess of normal values ​​may indicate the occurrence of prostate cancer, adenoma or prostatitis.

In addition to the size of the gland, the protocol contains the following data:

1. Form. The prostate most often has an oval shape, but this indicator is individual for each person. The doctor evaluates the symmetry of the organ and makes a conclusion about whether the shape fits the norm.
2. Echogenicity. Reflection of sound waves. A gland without pathologies is a homogeneous organ without clots, cavities or voids, without areas of altered echogenic activity. If the organ has a high density, the indicator increases. This indicates the presence of chronic prostatitis, the deposition of calcium salts, and the detection of microcalcification in the prostate tissue. If the echogenicity is too low, then the patient has an exacerbation of the inflammatory process. Changed echogenic activity warns of cyst formation.
3. Structure. Disturbed tissue homogeneity is the first sign of an inflammatory process, malignancy or microcalcifications.
4. Contours of the prostate. The protocol of a healthy man will indicate that the organ has a clear and even contour. If this indicator is violated, the doctor prescribes a biopsy and other additional tests to rule out oncology.
5. Elastography. Determines the consistency of prostate tissue. An excess indicates the presence of an inflammatory process in a chronic form. This may also indicate the growth of connective tissue and a cancerous tumor.
6. Dopplerography. Evaluates the degree of blood flow and vascularization in the prostate gland. If the organ is affected by cancer cells, the results of a prostate ultrasound will reveal many newly formed vessels.
7. Condition of seminal vesicles. The doctor checks their structure and echogenicity. Suspicion may be caused by expansion of the lumen, but this does not indicate pathology. Increased lumen occurs in men experiencing a decline in sexual activity.
8. Condition of the ducts. The specialist determines the patency of the ducts. They should be clean, without any signs of blockage.

Conclusion

An ultrasound of the prostate can detect serious malfunctions in the functioning of the prostate gland, disturbances in its structure, shape, and size.

As a rule, a prostate ultrasound report is issued immediately after the examination. Only a qualified urologist can correctly interpret the results of the procedure and prescribe treatment.

Source: https://samec.guru/anatomiya/polovaya-sistema/prostata/uzi/rasshifrovka-rezultatov.html

Interpretation of the results of ultrasound of the prostate gland

Ultrasound examination (ultrasound) of the prostate is a scanning with sound waves followed by a visual assessment of possible changes in the prostate gland . Ultrasound does not use ionizing radiation (as in x-rays), and therefore does not have a harmful effect on human health .

How and why the procedure is performed

The procedure is recommended for the patient mainly in the following situations:

• A digital rectal examination revealed a mass (nodule) in the prostate gland.
• Pathological changes during prostate cancer (changes in the blood test for the content of prostate-specific antigen - PSA).
• Problems with urination (frequent or difficult).
• Reproductive dysfunction (infertility).

The examination is safe and painless : manipulation requires a small sensor (probe) and a gel applied directly to the skin of the lower abdomen.

High frequency sound waves are transmitted from the probe through the gel into the body. The transducer collects the reflected sounds and transmits them as an image to the computer screen.

This type of examination is also called transabdominal ultrasound.

Photo 1: When diagnosing prostate diseases, due to greater information content, transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) is preferable. Source: flickr (anakdesa_3).

The TRUS mechanism is also based on the influence of high-frequency sound waves, but in this case the probe is inserted into the patient's rectum, causing some discomfort for a short time (the procedure lasts less than 20 minutes).

Ultrasound scanning of the prostate gland helps in diagnosing pathologies:

Indicators for ultrasound and TRUS of the prostate

During ultrasound examination, decoding occurs by assessing visual indicators, which are recorded as an image on the monitor screen. Determination of norm and pathology is carried out by assessing values ​​such as :

• Dimensions of the prostate gland . The thickness, width and length of the prostate (in millimeters), and its volume are taken into account (calculated automatically using special formulas depending on age; estimated in cubic centimeters).
• Echogenic density . The term refers to the ability to reflect high-frequency sound waves. Echogenicity can be reduced (dark image), increased (reflects sound very well and looks lighter on the monitor) and normal.
• Uniformity . The principle is based on echogenicity; the only difference is that the organ under study must be homogeneous in structure: all tissue conducts sound equally (normally).
• The presence of formations in the prostate tissue . The examination may reveal cysts, calcifications or stones.
• Vascularization refers to the degree of blood supply to the prostate .
• Assessment of the condition of the vas deferens.

The normal sizes of the prostate gland are within the following values:

Structural DataNormal Value Range

Width, mm	25-45
Thickness, mm	15-25
Length, mm	25-40
Volume, cm3	19-27

• Contours: smooth, clear.
• Echogenicity: usual (normal).
• Echostructure: homogeneous.
• Shape: round or triangular.
• No inclusions (stones, cysts).
• Vascularization: there are no changes in the vascular pattern.

Note! The ultrasound examination report describes the signs of pathology (if any), but is not an independent diagnosis.

Photo 2: After the direct ultrasound of the prostate gland, the results are deciphered: their interpretation is determined by the attending physician. Source: flickr (Oberig Clinic).

Values ​​for problematic prostate

Ultrasound examination can allow differential diagnosis of various pathological conditions of the prostate gland .

Important! Each disease has its own ultrasound picture.

DiagnosisIdentifiedAdditionally

BPH	Increase in prostate size. In the nodular form - small formations (up to 1 cm)	There may be calcifications. The structure is heterogeneous.
Prostatitis	An increase in echogenicity indicates the presence of chronic inflammation in the structure of the prostate tissue; a decrease indicates acute prostatitis.	The contours are unclear, the echo structure is heterogeneous. The size of the prostate gland may increase.
Prostate cysts	Diffuse formations of various sizes.	The image reveals areas with decreased echogenicity (or its complete absence).
Prostate stones	The ultrasound picture consists of small areas with increased echogenicity.	The sizes of areas with echogenicity may vary.

Note! The presence in the tissue structure of various areas with hyper- or hypoechogenicity, coupled with clinical symptoms, may be a reason for further examination in order to identify the oncological process.

Source: https://vylechim-prostatit.ru/prostata/uzi-rasshifrovka-rezultatov-91