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The transrectal ultrasound can be
used as both a diagnostic tool as well as locator. The
instrument is an ultrasound probe that is shaped like
a rod. The probe is lubricated then inserted into the
rectum. The rod emits ultrasound waves that show the
location of the prostate gland. During prostate
cancer treatment procedures such as cryotherapy
and brachytherapy,
as well as the transrectal
biopsy, the doctor will use the ultrasound
waves that bounce off the prostate to correctly position
the needles. As a diagnostic tool, the transrectal ultrasound
waves will bounce off cancerous tissue differently than
healthy tissue. Recent research questions the ability
of the transrectal ultrasound to correctly diagnose
prostate
cancer, but the transrectal ultrasound is a useful
tool during treatment and biopsy.
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