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Abstract

A computer controlled rectal biopsy probe is employed to receive an ultrasonic signal from an ultrasonic transmitter which may be carried by a prior art urethral examination and mapping probe. The mapping probe signal is employed by the biopsy probe to position a biopsy needle within the rectal wall in alignment with a suspect prostate tumor detected by the mapping probe. The biopsy needle is computer controlled to penetrate the rectal wall, extend into the center of the suspect tumor, and cut a tissue sample therefrom. The tissue sample is removed through the rectal probe, to an analysis station, without removal of the rectal probe. If found malignant, suitable treatment (medical, radiation or surgical) may be directly applied to the tumor through the rectal probe. Computer analysis of the tissue sample may be performed by optical analysis or by ultrasonic density examination apparatus.

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