[The diagnostic value of "dysplastic" changes in the prostate]

The technique of serial section was used in systematic investigations of prostates obtained from 450 individuals who had died at the age of 40 to over 80 years. This was done, with a view to clearing up the precancerous potential of so-called dysplastic lesions (intraductal dysplasia, prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia). All accompanying pathomorphological findings were recorded, at the same time, with the totality of data being jointly evaluated and statistically processed by computerised methods. So-called dysplastic alterations were recordable from 57% of all cases (26% to 80%), with incidence rates growing along with advancing age and statistical security depending on age at large. Slight dysplasia was recorded from 41% of all cases, with an average of 2.6 foci (10 foci maximum) to one prostate. Severe dysplasia was recorded from 42% of all cases, with an average of 3.8 foci (24 maximum) to one prostate. The area of 90% of all foci was up to 4 mm2 (16 mm2 maximum in cases of slight dysplasia and 60 mm2 in severe cases). Dysplasia was localised in the posterior region of the organ in 60% of all cases and was detected in the central region in 8% maximum. Carcinoma was identified in 133 cases, with 114 of them (86%) being associated with dysplasia. Dysplasia was also detected in 45% of cases without carcinoma. Severe dysplasia was present in 79% of all carcinoma cases and in 26% of no-carcinoma cases. Slight dysplasia, on the other hand, was recordable form 7% of carcinoma cases and 19% of no-carcinoma cases.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)