The role of radiography, computed tomography and bone scanning in prostatic cancer

This report reviews the roles of conventional radiography, computerized axial tomography, and nuclear bone scanning in the diagnosis, staging, follow-up, and management of prostatic cancer. Computed tomography (CT) offers great promise for the better definition of the extent of the primary tumor of prostatic cancer. It contributes positively to the planning of radiation therapy portals in the treatment of localized disease. By means of bipedal lymphangiography and CT scanning, pelvic and periaortic lymphadenopathy may be detected more often than was previously possible without staging pelvic lymphadenectomy, which can be reserved for the discovery of microscopic disease. Soft-tissue metastases that are located deep within the body cavities can now be measured accurately by CT scanning, as can their response to therapy. Skeletal metastases, the most common variety in prostatic cancer, can be detected with a high degree of sensitivity by nuclear bone imaging. Serial bone scans are remarkably useful in following the response of osseous deposits to treatment, as well as in detecting relapsing disease. The management of malignant obstruction of the ureters has been greatly facilitated by the application of angiographic techniques to percutaneous nephrostomy performed under fluoroscopic control.