BENIGN HYPERPLASTIC NODULES THAT ORIGINATE IN THE PERIPHERAL ZONE OF THE PROSTATE-GLAND

PURPOSE: To describe a benign nodular lesion in the peripheral zone (P Z) of the prostate gland. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 1,087 patients, th e features of 722 focal lesions in the PZ or central zone of the prost ate on transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) scans were retrospectively compar ed with histologic findings in biopsy samples. RESULTS: In 18 patients (5.5% of the 328 patients with benign lesions), benign hyperplasia wa s 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 lesio ns were surrounded by an anechoic halo. One nodule was an incidental s onographic finding; the 17 others were felt as firm (n 11) or soft (n = 6) at digital rectal examination. The ratio of serum prostate-specif ic antigen (PSA) level to prostatic volume was low (<0.1), except in o ne patient (0.24). CONCLUSION: Some sonographic features and the norma l PSA values might suggest a benign nodule in the PZ, but TRUS-guided biopsies and histologic correlation are necessary to confirm the diagn osis.