Computer-based image analysis of nucleoli in prostate carcinoma.

The authors have evaluated the nucleoli in 37 cases of prostatic carcinoma. The increase in Gleason's grade 1 correlated with an increase in the percentage of nucleolated nuclei. The increase in the percentage of bi- and trinucleolated nuclei was accompanied by a decrease of the uninucleated nuclei. The values of morphometrical parameters studied in the individual nucleoli (area, perimeter, diameters) increased in Gleason grade 2 tumors as compared with grade 1 tumors. In tumors higher grades there was, however, a progressive decrease of these values.