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. 2007 Sep;176(3):161-3.
doi: 10.1007/s11845-007-0018-x. Epub 2007 Mar 20.

Is digital rectal examination still necessary in the early detection of prostate cancer?

M R Quinlan  1 , S Teahan, D Mulvin, D M Quinlan
Affiliations

Is digital rectal examination still necessary in the early detection of prostate cancer?

M R Quinlan et al. Ir J Med Sci. 2007 Sep.

Abstract

Background: PSA measurement is important in prostate cancer detection. However, applying cut-off values of >4 ng/ml as indication for biopsy misses 20-30% of tumours.

Aims: To determine the number of patients with prostate cancer and normal age-related PSA, referred for TRUS biopsy due to abnormal DRE alone.

Methods: We reviewed patients referred for biopsy over 12 months. Indication for biopsy included abnormal PSA, abnormal DRE, or both.

Results: Four-hundred and sixty-five (465) TRUS biopsies were performed, 209 were positive. Of the 183 (183/209) positive on whom complete data were available, 4 (2.2%) had a normal age-related PSA but an abnormal DRE.

Conclusions: Metastatic prostate cancer remains incurable. Therefore detection of organ-confined and potentially curable disease, is crucial. Though PSA has led to earlier detection, this study emphasises the importance of clinical examination, illustrating a normal PSA cannot eliminate the possibility of cancer. DRE and PSA should be interpreted as being collaborative, not competitive.

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