Cited by 547Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and TreatmentHealthcare cost, quality, practicesRadiology practices and education

Advances in diagnostic imaging and overestimations of disease prevalence and the benefits of therapy

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Black, William C., Welch, H. Gilbert·1993·New England Journal of Medicine

Abstract

Over the past two decades a vast new armamentarium of diagnostic techniques has revolutionized the practice of medicine. The entire human body can now be imaged in exquisite anatomical detail. Computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasonography routinely “section” patients into slices less than a centimeter thick. Abnormalities can be detected well before they produce any clinical signs or symptoms. Undoubtedly, these technological advances have enhanced the physician's potential for understanding disease and treating patients. Unfortunately, these technological advances also create confusion that may ultimately be harmful to patients. Consider the case of prostate cancer. Although the prevalence . . .

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Crossref · 10.1056/nejm199304293281706

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  • The prevalence of any disease increases with the observer's ability to detect the abnormalities associated with the disease.

    “The prevalence of any disease increases with the observer’s ability to detect the abnormalities associated with the disease (32).”

    From Adrenal incidentaloma (2020) · cites this paper as [32]

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Authors
Black, W. C., & Welch, H. G.
Affiliations
Dartmouth College (US)
Venue
New England Journal of Medicine
Published
1993-04-29
Volume
328
Issue
17
Pages
1237-1243
ISSN
  • 0028-4793 (ISSN-L)
  • 1533-4406
OpenAlex
W2327648646
Cited by
547
References
47
Citations by year
2026: 6 · 2025: 8 · 2024: 7 · 2023: 13 · 2022: 7 · 2021: 13 · 2020: 11 · 2019: 9 · 2018: 14 · 2017: 18 · 2016: 16 · 2015: 23 · 2014: 16 · 2013: 11 · 2012: 15
FWCI
22.14
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • New England Journal of Medicine (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine › Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Healthcare cost, quality, practices
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging › Radiology practices and education
Keywords
diagnostic imaging, disease prevalence, prostate cancer, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasonography, incidental finding
MeSH terms
Aged, Breast Neoplasms, Decision Making, Diagnostic Imaging, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Neoplasms, Thyroid Neoplasms, Bias, Prevalence, Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal

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