Morphometric and cytophotometric analysis of hyperplastic, dysplastic and malignant lesions of the prostate

Computer-assisted image analyzers are increasingly used to study the DNA content and other nuclear parameters in a variety of solid tumors, including prostatic carcinoma. This study was designed to enhance our understanding of prostatic tumorigenesis by determining the morphonuclear features of proliferative and malignant prostatic lesions. The Feulgan DNA content and the nuclear diameter measurement of prostatic hyperplasia (PH) (n=30), high- grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) (n = 30) and prostatic adenocarcinoma (PC) (n = 30) were compared using the CAS-200 (TM) image analysis system. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was performed to compare between the 3 groups. In cases where significant differences were encountered, a multiple range test (LSD Test) was also applied. PH was distinct from the other 2 groups (HGPIN and PC) on the basis of its DNA content and nuclear diameter measurements. PCs with high Gleason's patterns showed a tendency toward aneuploidy. HGPIN and PC had similar DNA ploidy in 8 of 10 cases where the two lesions were concomittently detected. These results add supportive evidence that HGPIN is probably a precursor of PC. Its isolated detection in biopsy specimens with the confirmed absence of PC needs to be documented in the surgical pathology reports with the recommendations for close follow-up.