Added values of transrectal ultrasonography to magnetic resonance imaging in characterizing prostate cancer: A narrative review

Abstract

Many radiologists and urologists believe that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is superior to transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) in the detection and assessment of prostate cancer. Thus, they relied on MRI alone for tumor characterization. However, the role of TRUS in prostate cancer assessment remains unclear. This information on TRUS findings can aid radiologists and urologists in detecting, targeting, and staging cancers. Additionally, there are some imaging features that are unseen on MRI, but are visible on TRUS. However, few studies have addressed the added value of TRUS in the preoperative evaluation of prostate cancer. This review aimed to assess the added value of TRUS to preoperative MRI for prostate cancer detection, characterization, and staging.

Keywords

• magnetic resonance imaging
• prostatic neoplasms
• transrectal ultrasound