Pathologic and Clinical Findings to Predict Tumor Extent of Nonpalpable (Stage T1 c) Prostate Cancer

Eighty-four percent of nonpalpable prostate cancers diagnosed by screening techniques are significant tumors and warrant definitive therapy. However, 16% are insignificant. Serum PSA level, PSA density, and needle biopsy pathologic findings are accurate predictors of tumor extent. It may be reasonable to follow up some patients whose tumors are most likely insignificant with serial PSA measurements and repeated biopsies.