Histopathological pattern in prostatic adenocarcinomas: is it a prognostic criterion?

A total of 152 patients with prostatic carcinoma were evaluated retrospectively. Sections prepared from paraffin blocks were examined and all cases were scored according to the Gleason grading system. Prostatic adenocarcinomas were categorized into 3 different groups of histopathological patterns; acinar, ductal and mixed. The relationships between histopathologic pattern and symptoms, clinical findings, clinical stage, Gleason scores and local or systemic progression were investigated. It was found that patients with mixed pattern tumours presenting at later stages with more severe symptoms of prostatism had higher Gleason scores and higher progression rates compared to patients with tumours having acinar pattern.