Colour-Coded Doppler Ultrasonography and Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography

Blood flow pattern in tumour tissue

The blood flow pattern in tumour tissue is more intense and different from that of normal tissue. Using Doppler ultrasonography it is possible to detect suspected tumour areas.

Combining colour-coded Doppler ultrasonography with contrast agents appears to provide even more accurate results. With this method even the tiniest vessels, so-called microvessels, can be visualized.

Visualizing microvessels in the prostate gland

This allows evaluation of the tiniest blood vessels. Because tumour tissue usually has a better blood supply and a different blood flow pattern from that of healthy tissue, the experienced examiner can identify possible suspected tumour areas, making it possible to take targeted biopsies from these abnormal areas.