Transrectal Ultrasound

Transrectal ultrasound is an outpatient imaging procedure for evaluating the prostate gland. A small, lubricated probe placed into the rectum emits sound wave energy that bounces back from prostate tumors with a different type of echo than from normal tissue. By allowing your doctor to estimate the weight and density of the prostate gland, this test can help distinguish the presence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH, an enlarged prostate gland) from possible prostate cancer. When a biopsy of the prostate gland is needed, transrectal ultrasound is also an extremely important tool for guiding the needle in that procedure.