Sclerosing adenosis of the prostate gland. A lesion showing myoepithelial differentiation.

Sclerosing adenosis of the prostate is a rare lesion characterized by the proliferation of variably sized glands in a cellular stroma. We report light microscopic, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural studies in 22 examples from 15 patients. Two cases were identified in 100 consecutive prostates embedded by a whole organ method, giving a prevalence of 2%. Antibodies directed against the following antigens were used: high-molecular-weight cytokeratin (CKH; 34 beta E12); cytokeratin (CK; AE1/AE3), prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP), prostate-specific antigen (PSA), S-100 protein, muscle-specific actin (HHF35), and vimentin (Vim). Cells within the glandular component demonstrated positive reactivity for CK, CHH, PSA, and PAP, indicating a prostatic epithelial origin. In addition, a distinct population of cells reacting for muscle-specific actin and S-100 protein was identified within this glandular element. Adequate material for ultrastructural study was available in five cases; all showed the presence of flattened cells located between the basement membrane and secretory epithelial cells, which had features typical for myoepithelial differentiation. Although the prostate gland does not normally contain myoepithelial cells, we have documented their consistent presence in this unusual lesion; we believe these cells arise by a metaplastic process from the prostatic basal cells.