Basal cells of prostate in fine-needle aspiration

Fine-needle aspiration in conjunction with a transrectal core biopsy was performed on a 58-year-old man who presented with a prostate nodule. The aspirate contained many cell clusters that were negative for prostatic acid phosphatase and cytologically appeared to be basal cells. The entity of basal cell hyperplasia of the prostate is discussed with reference to its appearance in aspiration cytologic examination. Emphasis is placed upon the possibility that these cells may be mistaken for cancer cells.