Carcinoma of the prostate. A retrospective analysis of conventional management in 110 cases

Abstract

Abstract This paper reports a retrospective analysis of the results of conventional management of prostatic carcinoma in 110 patients. The 5-year probability survival was 23 per cent. A correct initial diagnosis was made in only 53 per cent of the patients. Indices of prostatic carcinoma as opposed to benign prostatic hypertrophy would appear to be a higher age-group, the occurrence of retention without preceding prostatism, and obstructive uropathy disproportionately severe in relation to symptoms. A normal serum prostatic acid phosphatase does not preclude the diagnosis of carcinoma of the prostate. Treatment with oestrogenic hormones produced regression of the primary neoplasm in 60 per cent of the patients but rarely affected metastatic lesions. The principal cause of death was not metastatic disease but lower urinary-tract obstruction or operations for its relief.