From the Research
The normal prostate size on ultrasound is generally considered to be less than 20 mL in volume, as defined in a study published in 2010 1. This definition is based on the use of transabdominal ultrasound to measure prostate volume and assess the presence of intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP) and post-void residual urine (PVR).
- The study found that a prostate volume of less than 20 mL, with no IPP and a maximum flow rate of more than 15 mL/s, was indicative of a normal prostate gland.
- However, it's essential to consider the patient's age, symptoms, and other clinical findings when evaluating prostate size, as some men with larger prostates may be asymptomatic while others with smaller glands may experience significant urinary symptoms.
- A more recent study published in 2020 compared the accuracy of transabdominal and transrectal ultrasound for sizing the prostate and found that transabdominal ultrasound was interchangeable with transrectal ultrasound for prostates less than or equal to 30 cm3 2.
- Another study published in 2022 found a weak positive correlation between prostate volume measured by ultrasound and symptoms severity scores in patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy, although this correlation was not statistically significant 3.
- Other studies have also investigated the relationship between prostate size and symptoms, as well as the use of digital rectal examination and ultrasound to estimate prostate volume 4, 5.
- In clinical practice, the choice of ultrasound modality (transabdominal or transrectal) and the interpretation of prostate size should be individualized based on patient factors and clinical findings.