Correlation between hypoechoic nodules on ultrasonography and benign hyperplasia in the prostatic outer gland.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this investigation was to study the correlation between hypoechoic nodules detected on ultrasonography and benign hyperplasia in the prostatic outer gland (POG) diagnosed by transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)-guided biopsies. METHODS: The TRUS-guided biopsies were performed on 472 patients suspected of having prostate cancer. Specimens obtained by biopsies were independently assessed by pathologists at 3 hospitals. RESULTS: The histologic results of 310 patients (65.68%) were benign. Focal hypoechoic nodules located in the POG were found in 240 patients (50.8%) on TRUS scans. Among them, in 22 patients (9.17% of the 240 patients with hypoechoic nodules), benign hyperplasia was found in focal hypoechoic nodules located in the POG. Focal nodules were seen as well circumscribed with an ovoid shape and smooth surface in 18 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Benign hyperplasia may sometimes originate in the POG and may appear as a hypoechoic nodule, similar to the appearance of prostate cancer.