Prostatic aspiration cytology.

The results of cytological examination of 1280 transrectal fine needle aspiration biopsies of the prostate from 1122 patients over a period of 10 years are given. The technique was used for the diagnosis of prostatic carcinoma. The microscopic appearances including classification according to differentiation are described and illustrated. Of the 1280 aspirates examined 467 were diagnosed as carcinoma. In 469 cases, it was possible to compare the cytology with the results of histological examination. In this group, 255 cases of prostatic carcinoma were diagnosed: 53% by both cytology and histology, 20% by cytology alone and 27% by histology alone. The findings show that the Franzen needle biopsy technique has an important role to play in the diagnosis of carcinoma of the prostate.