The Hospital Particular do Algarve (HPA) in Gambelas, in Faro, was the first unit in Portugal to start performing prostatic biopsies using microecography, and after about nine months it celebrates its 100th procedure in this innovative area of urology.
In a note, the HPA group explains that conventional ultrasound systems usually operate at frequencies ranging from 5 to 7 MHz, but, recently, innovative ultrasound systems have been developed that, operating at higher frequencies (21 to 29 MHz), improve the image resolution by about 300%.
“This increase in spatial resolution, as with prostate microechography, allows a more detailed and accurate visualization and characterization of the images, also allowing the identification of regions suspected of malignancy, increasing the probability of cancer detection”, he continues.
Furthermore, according to the same group, these systems have also contributed to the risk stratification of prostatic carcinoma, with an early and high detection rate for high-risk disease, while allowing a reduction in the detection of insignificant disease. and, consequently, restrict the institution of unnecessary therapies.
«We are very satisfied with the results we have obtained», reveals Tiago Rodrigues, a urologist and a great promoter of this technique.
“Reaching the 100th procedure, with a clearance of 68% of cases with prostate cancer, is indeed a reason for great satisfaction. It means that we were able to make early diagnoses with this exam, but above all it means that we were able to improve the survival and quality of life of patients», continues the specialist.
Prostate carcinoma is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy in males in the western world and the second leading cause of cancer death in men. These indicators reveal the importance of early diagnosis and accurate staging for the implementation of adequate, timely and personalized therapy.
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