[Pathological assessment of prostate cancer. New problems]

Currently, the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer requires the pathologist to adopt a fresh approach to the interpretation of biopsies in order to provide the data required for the new forms of therapy.

The new evaluation criteria of the Gleason system are explained, with the redefinition of histological patterns and degree of malignancy, the incorporation of the so-called prognostic groups and the assessment of the tumour mass.

Updating of histopathological information helps to improve patient management, especially in cases of tumour confined to the prostate, given the possibility of local therapy.