Selective sampling of yellow prostate chips: a specific method for detecting prostatic adenocarcinoma

Yellow chips were sought in 206 transurethral resection specimens of prostate. 18 (9%) contained yellow chips, and 46 (22%) prostatic adenocarcinomas were present. Yellow chips showed a specificity of 100% (95% confidence interval, CI 98-100%), a sensitivity of 39% (95% CI 25-55%), and a positive predictive value of 100% (95% CI 82-100%) for prostatic adenocarcinoma. Yellow chips were more easily recognized in poorly fixed specimens. On comparing prostatic adenocarcinomas with or without yellow chips, there was no significant difference in Gleason score or percentage of chips infiltrated by tumour. Complete sampling of prostate chips may be unnecessary, if yellow chips are present and selectively sampled. Naked-eye detection of prostatic adenocarcinoma may be increased by examining the tissue before fixation.