PROSTATE-CANCER SCREENING USING FINE-NEEDLE ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY PRIORTO OPEN PROSTATECTOMY

We performed a prospective study to evaluate fine-needle aspiration (F NA) cytology as a screening tool of carcinoma of the prostate in 159 m en with normal digital rectal examinations and acid phosphatase prior to open prostatectomy for voiding symptoms. The incidence of carcinoma of the prostate was 5.6%. 4 patients had Al lesions and 5 had A2 lesi ons. Only one A2 lesion was malignant cytologically. The sensitivity w as 56%, specificity 69%, positive predictive value 24% and negative pr edictive value 90%. Sufficient cytologic specimens were provided in 66 % of cases. While FNA is at least equal to core biopsy as a diagnostic modality of palpable prostatic abnormalities, it does not prove to be an adequate screening modality for occult carcinoma of the prostate i n the prostatectomy candidate.