[Benign mimickers of the prostate cancer. Diagnostic challenges]

Ann Pathol. 2013 Aug;33(4):237-46. doi: 10.1016/j.annpat.2013.06.005. Epub 2013 Jul 31.
[Article in French]

Abstract

The diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa), especially limited adenocarcinoma on needle biopsy, is often challenging. Before making diagnosis of PCa, it is prudent for the pathologist to consider different benign patterns that may lead to a false positive interpretation. Histoanatomic structures such as seminal vesicles, Cowper's glands and paraganglia along with hyperplasia, atrophy with its different patterns and adenosis may generate difficulties in differential diagnosis. Furthermore, inflammatory processes and post-treatment changes may cause problems. The above entities can in some instances simulate low-grade and less commonly high grade PCa. Knowledge of these patterns and application of appropriate immunohistochemistry will lead the pathologist to a correct diagnosis.

Keywords: Cancer; Diagnosis; Diagnostic; Mimickers; Prostate.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / diagnosis
  • Adenocarcinoma / pathology
  • Atrophy
  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Bulbourethral Glands / pathology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • False Positive Reactions
  • Humans
  • Hyperplasia
  • Male
  • Metaplasia
  • Precancerous Conditions / diagnosis
  • Precancerous Conditions / pathology
  • Prostate / pathology
  • Prostate / radiation effects
  • Prostatic Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Prostatic Diseases / pathology
  • Prostatic Hyperplasia / diagnosis
  • Prostatic Hyperplasia / pathology
  • Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia / diagnosis
  • Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia / pathology
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Prostatitis / diagnosis
  • Prostatitis / pathology
  • Radiation Injuries / pathology
  • Radiotherapy / adverse effects
  • Seminal Vesicles / pathology