[Pathological anatomy of adenocarcinoma of the prostate in 1988]

After going through gross and microscopic features of prostatic adenocarcinoma, the author stresses upon cytological diagnosis on fine-needle (Franzén) aspiration biopsies. Histological or cytological diagnosis may be difficult. And prostatic dysplasia is an especially difficult subject. There are too many definitions of Stage A1 adeno-carcinoma of the prostate. One would be enough! Histoprognosis only has a statistical value. The Gleason classification is the one we would choose. Any other system could be used as a second classification. PSA (prostate specific antigen) is the best marker for the prostate and for prostatic adenocarcinoma. The idea of an "endocrine prostate" is a new contribution for a better histoprognosis. Carcinoid tumor is only one extreme part of the subject. New methods are reviewed, which will probably make diagnosis and prognosis much easier.