Benign hyperplastic nodules that originate in the peripheral zone of the prostate gland.

PURPOSE

To describe a benign nodular lesion in the peripheral zone (PZ) of the prostate gland.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 1,087 patients, the features of 722 focal lesions in the PZ or central zone of the prostate on transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) scans were retrospectively compared with histologic findings in biopsy samples.

RESULTS

In 18 patients (5.5% of the 328 patients with benign lesions), benign hyperplasia was found in a focal, nodular lesion obviously located within the PZ. On TRUS scans, the nodules were well circumscribed, ovoid or round, and slightly hypoechoic (n = 11) or isoechoic (n = 7). The isoechoic lesions were surrounded by an anechoic halo. One nodule was an incidental sonographic finding; the 17 others were felt as firm (n = 11) or soft (n = 6) at digital rectal examination. The ratio of serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level to prostatic volume was low (< 0.1), except in one patient (0.24).

CONCLUSION

Some sonographic features and the normal PSA values might suggest a benign nodule in the PZ, but TRUS-guided biopsies and histologic correlation are necessary to confirm the diagnosis.