Search

Medical services

The different clinical services constitute the backbone on which the healthcare activity of MD Anderson Cancer Center Madrid is organised.

COME BACK

Study of the prostate using Histoscanning™


At MD Anderson Cancer Center Madrid we understand that our responsibility goes beyond the simple medical treatment of cancer. We also play an important role in being at the patient’s side in the emotional aspect.

Facing the possibility of having prostate cancer can be complicated, but we are sure you will get through it thanks to the confidence having state-of-the-art technology on your side gives.

Until recently, HistoScanning™ was only available at some hospitals in Germany. Today, MD Anderson Cancer Center Madrid places it at the disposition of your health.

HistoScanning™ shows tissue alterations in the prostate accurately and at an early stage (“histo” = “tissue” from the Greek; “scan” = “ultrasound exploration” from the English). These two qualities, accuracy and an early diagnosis, are determining factors in achieving success in the battle against cancer and in helping a healing process that interferes as little as possible in the patient’s routine.

In this guide, you will find detailed information on this advanced diagnostic instrument. We also remind you that our medical team is entirely at your disposition to answer any questions you may have. They will be able to give you answers from the rigorous medical point of view, but also with the sensitivity your present situation requires.


HistoScanning™ is a state-of-the-art diagnostic method, capable of identifying tissue variations at an early stage. By means of a finger-thick probe inserted in the rectum, without causing any discomfort for the patient, HistoScanning™ creates a 3D ultrasound image of the prostate.

The particularity of the method lies in the specific interpretation of the ultrasound data through a modern information system that marks areas suspected of being tumorous in different colors and easily identifies and gives an accurate picture of the changes in the prostate tissue. Thus, your physician can distinguish on screen between normal prostate tissue and that suspected to be tumorous.


HistoScanning™ is an authentic revolution in the fight against cancer. It allows for a better diagnosis than in the more usual methods, because it identifies and localizes with precision extremely small tissue changes.

This has been demonstrated by the studies carried out by Johan Braeckman, urologist at the Brussels University Clinic: HistoScanning™ localizes 95% of tumors larger than 0,2mm (the size of an apple seed) and is almost 100% efficient in the identification of tumors the size of a pea (0,5mm). Effectively, it offers patients unprecedented reliability and security in the diagnosis. Another positive point is the fact that it is a non-invasive examination, without the need for surgical intervention, and according to patient testimonials, is painless.


When this new method identifies a suspected prostate cancer, the following step is to do a biopsy targeted by HistoScanning™. In this way, a completely personalized treatment plan can be drawn up for each patient, because for the first time, it is possible to accurately localize the extension of the tumor.

Without doubt, this is an advance with great impact. For instance, in a surgical intervention, the chances of preserving the nerves responsible for erectile function depend on the size and location of the tumor – information made available thanks to HistoScanning™. Furthermore, when considering local treatment for the tumor (localized cryotherapy), HistoScanning™ shows if that option is feasible or not.


Your physician will recommend this kind of diagnostic test in the following cases:

  • When there is reasonable suspicion of prostate cancer.
  • When all other examination methods give inconclusive results, in spite of which PSA values continue to rise.
  • When a tumor is not identified after a conventional prostate biopsy, but PSA values continue to increase.
  • When, in spite of prolonged administration of antibiotics to treat prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate), PSA values remain high or show an insufficient drop.

Folleto - estudio de la próstata a través de Histoscanning.pdf