1. What is Prostate Volume Measurement on CT?

Definition: This calculator estimates prostate volume using the ellipsoid formula based on length, width, and height measurements from CT imaging.

Purpose: It helps radiologists and urologists assess prostate size for diagnostic and treatment planning purposes.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the ellipsoid formula:

Where:

• \( V \) — Volume of prostate (cm³)
• \( L \) — Length (cm)
• \( W \) — Width (cm)
• \( H \) — Height (cm)

Explanation: The formula approximates the prostate as an ellipsoid shape, which is the standard method for volume estimation on imaging.

3. Importance of Prostate Volume Measurement

Details: Prostate volume assessment is crucial for evaluating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), planning prostate cancer treatments, and determining PSA density.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the maximum dimensions in three orthogonal planes (length, width, height) as measured on CT. All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this method?
A: The ellipsoid formula provides a good estimate (within 10-15% of actual volume) and is widely used in clinical practice.

Q2: What's a normal prostate volume?
A: Typically 20-30 cm³ in young men, often increasing with age (may reach 40-60 cm³ in BPH).

Q3: Can this be used with other imaging modalities?
A: Yes, the same formula works for MRI and ultrasound measurements.

Q4: How do I measure the dimensions on CT?
A: Use axial images for width and height, sagittal reconstructions for length, measuring the largest dimension in each plane.

Q5: What's the clinical significance of prostate volume?
A: Larger volumes may indicate BPH, affect surgical planning, and help interpret PSA values (PSA density = PSA/volume).