Prostate-specific antigen and transrectal ultrasound of the prostate in detection of prostate cancer.

Detection of prostate cancer can be enhanced over the level historically obtained by digital rectal examination through the combined use of serum prostate-specific antigen and digital rectal examination, followed by transrectal ultrasonic examination of the prostate and ultrasonically guided biopsy if either of the initial studies is abnormal. Use of age-specific reference ranges for prostate-specific antigen results in greater sensitivity of this serum marker in patients below the age of 60 y and greater specificity in older patients.