Differential diagnosis of glandular proliferations in the prostate

Abstract

 A variety of small acinar lesions of the prostate can mimic prostate cancer in punch biopsies and in transurethral resection material. The first part of this review deals with differential diagnostic problems of the central and transition zone, including atypical adenomatous hyperplasia of the prostate, atrophic processes, sclerosing adenosis, basal cell hyperplasia, and low-grade adenocarcinoma. The second part deals with differential diagnostic problems in the peripheral zone: prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, postatrophic hyperplasia, Cowper’s glands, seminal vesicles, and ductal and intraductal carcinoma. Finally, atypical and small acinar proliferations are described. Diagnostic perspectives are discussed.