Transrectal fine needle aspiration cytology of granulomatous prostatitis

Transrectal fine needle aspiration cytology by Franzen technique was carried out from January, 1985 till January, 1992 on 567 patients having prostatomegaly which were suspicious of malignancy by clinical per rectal examination. Granulomatous prostatitis was diagnosed in 56 cases. Analysis showed 34 cases were tuberculous prostatitis and 22 cases were nonspecific granulomatous prostatitis. Comparison of aspiration cytology with bacteriological study of the aspirated material and histopathology showed correct diagnosis of granulomatous prostatitis by fine needle aspiration. The findings indicate that transrectal fine needle aspiration cytology is a reliable procedure for diagnosis of granulomatous prostatitis which can clinically mimic prostatic malignancy when it presents as a diffuse or nodular enlargement with firm to hard consistency.