FINE-NEEDLE ASPIRATION BIOPSY FOR DIAGNOSIS AND FOLLOW-UP OF PROSTATE-CANCER

Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and ultrasound-guided core biopsy using biopty gun both have a high, and approximately equal, accuracy in diagnosing and grading prostate cancer. The TRUS-guided technique p rovides a better estimation of the tumor extent and to some degree eve n of capsular involvement. It is therefore a recommendable part of the preoperative evaluation when radical prostatectomy is contemplated. O n the other hand, the aspiration technique usually provides more epith elial cells. It entails a significantly lower risk of septic complicat ions and of seeding tumor cells. It has also a lower cost than the cor e biopsies. The aspiration biopsy can easily be performed repeatedly i n the follow-up procedure, which is of particular importance in cases managed with watchful waiting. We recommend the aspiration biopsy for routine use in the diagnostic work-up and follow-up. It is essential t hat not only the cytologic evaluation but as well the sampling from th e prostate is performed with adequate expertise.