The prostate is a small gland in men that sits below the bladder and surrounds the upper part of the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. It makes fluid that becomes part of semen. The prostate is most often sampled with a needle biopsy, usually because of a raised PSA blood test or a change felt on examination. A pathologist examines the tissue under a microscope and describes what they see in your pathology report.
This page brings together our guides to conditions found in the prostate gland. The articles are grouped by type to help you find the one that matches your diagnosis. Select any article below to learn more.
Cancers of the prostate
These diagnoses are cancers that develop in the prostate gland. The articles explain how each type is diagnosed and what the details in your pathology report mean, including the Gleason score and Grade Group.
Prostatic adenocarcinoma, also called acinar adenocarcinoma, is by far the most common type of prostate cancer. This article explains how it is diagnosed and what the details in your pathology report mean, including the Gleason score and Grade Group.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions prostatic adenocarcinoma or acinar adenocarcinoma, the most common type of prostate cancer.
Ductal adenocarcinoma is an uncommon type of prostate cancer that develops from the cells lining the ducts of the prostate. This article explains what this diagnosis means and how it differs from the more common type.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions ductal adenocarcinoma of the prostate gland.
Intraductal carcinoma is a high grade type of prostate cancer in which cancer cells grow inside the ducts of the prostate. It is often found alongside other prostate cancer. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions intraductal carcinoma of the prostate gland.
Precancerous changes
This diagnosis describes a precancerous change in the prostate gland. It is not cancer, but it can be linked to an increased chance of finding cancer. The article explains what this diagnosis means.
High grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia
High grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, or PIN, is a precancerous change in the cells lining the glands of the prostate. It is not cancer. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia or PIN.
Uncertain and atypical findings
These diagnoses are used when the pathologist sees something that cannot be clearly classified as noncancerous or cancerous. They are not a diagnosis of cancer, but they often lead to more testing or close follow-up. The articles explain what each diagnosis means.
Atypical small acinar proliferation
Atypical small acinar proliferation, or ASAP, means the pathologist found a small group of glands that look abnormal but cannot be confirmed as cancer. This article explains what this finding means and what usually happens next.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions atypical small acinar proliferation or ASAP.
Prostatic stromal tumor of uncertain malignant potential
This diagnosis is used for a rare tumor of the supporting tissue of the prostate that cannot be clearly classified as noncancerous or cancerous. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions a prostatic stromal tumor of uncertain malignant potential, or STUMP.
Noncancerous conditions
These diagnoses are not cancer. They include the common enlargement of the prostate and other noncancerous changes. The articles explain what each diagnosis means.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is a very common, noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. This article explains what this diagnosis means and what a pathologist looks for.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH, or an enlarged prostate.
Postoperative spindle cell nodule
A postoperative spindle cell nodule is a noncancerous growth that can form at the site of a recent surgery. It can look like cancer under the microscope but is harmless. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions a postoperative spindle cell nodule after prostate or bladder surgery.
We are proud to partner with:
