Prostate Volume Formula:
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Definition: This calculator estimates the volume of the prostate gland using MRI measurements based on the ellipsoid formula.
Purpose: It helps urologists and radiologists determine prostate volume for diagnostic and treatment planning purposes.
The calculator uses the ellipsoid formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula approximates the prostate as an ellipsoid shape, which is the standard method for prostate volume estimation from MRI measurements.
Details: Accurate prostate volume measurement is crucial for diagnosing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), planning prostate surgeries, and calculating PSA density.
Tips: Enter the three orthogonal measurements (length, width, height) in centimeters from MRI imaging. All values must be > 0.
Q1: Why use the ellipsoid formula?
A: It's the standard method as the prostate roughly resembles an ellipsoid shape, and it correlates well with more precise measurement methods.
Q2: How accurate is this method?
A: It's about 90-95% accurate compared to planimetry (the gold standard), but much faster to calculate.
Q3: 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).
Q4: Can I use ultrasound measurements?
A: Yes, but MRI measurements are generally more accurate due to better soft tissue resolution.
Q5: How is this different from TRUS volume?
A: MRI typically provides more accurate measurements as it can visualize the entire prostate in 3D, while TRUS may underestimate the anterior portion.