The effectiveness of transrectal aspiration cytology in the diagnosis of prostatic cancer.

A study was undertaken in 403 patients suspected on rectal examination of carcinoma of the prostate, comparing the accuracy of cytological examination after aspiration biopsy with a Franzen's needle and transrectal punch biopsy for histological diagnosis. The results indicated 93.35% cytological accuracy. In 2.39% of the cases cancer was not detected cytologically. In 3.72% of the cases, a cytological diagnosis was made but not a histological one. This emphasizes the great value of the thin needle biopsy. Its advantage is that the examination can be carried out at any time, without preparation, narcosis or danger to the patient. Moreover, it allows a control of, and gives preliminary information on the success of hormone or radiotherapy.