This Prostate Volume Calculator is designed to estimate a man’s prostate volume as well as the PSA density (* optional) in case the PSA level is known. The latter is an important indicator of prostate cancer in patients with a mildly elevated PSA.
Enter the prostate gland dimensions in centimeters in the appropriate fields of this online calculator to get the prostate volume estimation in cubic centimeters. Optionally you can enter the PSA value in ng/ml to get the PSA density estimation.
Know Your Prostate Volume
Prostate volume is an important factor in the evaluation and management of men’s health, particularly for conditions that affect the prostate gland. The prostate is a gland located in the male reproductive system that produces fluid that is a component of semen. It is located below the bladder and surrounds the urethra the tube through which urine and semen are expelled from the body.
Prostate volume can be measured using a variety of techniques including digital rectal examination (DRE), transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These measurements can be useful for a number of reasons:
• Knowing the volume of the prostate helps diagnose and evaluate the severity of prostate conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis and prostate cancer.
• Prostate volume can help guide treatment decisions. For example, larger prostate volumes may be more challenging to treat with certain therapies, such as prostatectomy (surgical removal of the prostate gland).
• Prostate volume can be used to monitor the effectiveness of a medical treatment. For example, a decrease in the prostate volume may indicate the effectiveness of the treatment.
• Information on prostate volume can be used to predict the likelihood of future prostate problems. For example, a large prostate usually means an increased risk of developing BPH or prostate cancer.
Overall, knowing prostate volume is important for understanding and managing prostate health in men, both healthy and those with prostate conditions.
Prostate Volume Calculation
Of all the different methods for measuring prostate volume, transrectal ultrasound is the most accurate.
Three commonly used prostate volume measurement techniques in transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) are planimetry calculation, prolate ellipse volume calculation, and an ellipsoid volume measurement technique. Prolate ellipse volume calculation is fast, precise and practical for clinical application. It is calculated according to the following formula:
Prolate ellipse volume (cc) = height (cm) × length (cm) × width (cm) × π/6.
Transverse diameter (width) is defined as the maximal transverse diameter at mid-gland level, while longitudinal diameter (length) is defined as the distance from the proximal external sphincter to the urinary bladder. Anteroposterior diameter (height) may be measured in two planes-axial and sagittal.
There are investigations showed that the majority of prostate glands are more bullet-shaped than ellipsoid. The formula, representing a bullet shape, was determined to best represent the majority of prostate glands presented for brachytherapy:
Bullet volume (cc) = height (cm) × length (cm) × width (cm) × 5π/24.
Calculation results for both formulas are presented in our online prostate gland volume calculator.
PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) is an enzyme produced by the prostate gland. Its concentration is usually elevated in the case of prostate cancer, but it may also indicate prostatitis or BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia). The PSA value considered most frequently as the highest normal level is 4 ng/mL (nanograms per milliliter).
PSA density is a parameter which helps to differentiate between prostate cancer and BPH in patients with mildly elevated PSA. Generally, a PSA density of 0.15 or higher means that there is a suspicion of prostate cancer. In such a case, it is important to see a doctor, who will decide whether or not to perform the prostate biopsy. The formula for PSA density used in our PSA density calculator is obvious:
PSA density = PSA / Prostate volume.
PSA density calculation is optional depending on availability of PSA test results.
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Disclaimer. Please remember that this calculator is not a substitute for clinical judgment. In case of any concerns please consult your physician to address your specific health problem.