Histopathologic diagnosis of prostate cancer

Histopathologic Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer

The histopathologic diagnosis of prostate cancer is a critical component in the management and treatment of the disease. It involves the examination of prostate tissue under a microscope to identify cancerous cells and determine the type and aggressiveness of the cancer.

Tissue Sampling

Prostate cutting

The first step in the histopathologic diagnosis is obtaining a tissue sample from the prostate. This is typically done through a prostate biopsy, where multiple core samples are taken from different areas of the prostate gland. The samples are then processed and prepared for microscopic examination.

Microscopic Examination

The microscopic examination of prostate tissue involves identifying the presence of cancerous cells and determining the Gleason score, which is a grading system used to evaluate the aggressiveness of prostate cancer.

Gleason Grading System

Micrograph of prostate cancer with Gleason score 8 (4+4) with glomeruloid glands

The Gleason score is based on the architectural pattern of the cancerous tissue. It ranges from 6 to 10, with higher scores indicating more aggressive cancer. The score is determined by adding the two most predominant patterns observed in the tissue sample.

Types of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer types

Prostate cancer can be classified into several types based on the histopathologic features:

Acinar Adenocarcinoma

This is the most common type of prostate cancer, characterized by small glandular structures.

Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Micrograph of typical ductal adenocarcinoma of the prostate

Ductal adenocarcinoma is a less common variant that tends to be more aggressive and is characterized by large glandular structures.

Intraductal Carcinoma

Micrograph of intraductal carcinoma of the prostate with an infiltrative growth pattern

Intraductal carcinoma is characterized by cancerous cells within the ducts of the prostate and is often associated with high-grade cancer.

Urothelial Carcinoma

Urothelial carcinoma in the prostatic urethra, low mag

Urothelial carcinoma can occur in the prostatic urethra and is distinct from the more common adenocarcinomas of the prostate.

Related Pages

• Prostate cancer
• Gleason score
• Prostate biopsy
• Adenocarcinoma