Endometrioid carcinoma of the prostate: a misnomer?

The origin of this unusual variant of carcinoma of the prostate has provoked discussion ever since its first description in 1967. This is of both embryological interest and therapeutic importance. Four cases have been reviewed, and all have demonstrated immunohistochemical features consistent with an origin from prostatic tissue. In addition, three had evidence of disseminated disease which responded well to androgen ablation. It is concluded that the term endometrioid carcinoma is of descriptive value only, and these tumours are a variant of primary duct prostatic carcinoma. Patients should be treated by androgen ablation when metastases are present.