Nuclear morphometric study of prostatic atrophy

The prostatic atrophy is a lesion with small glands that can mimic adenocarcinoma, commonly diagnosed in the elderly and whose preneoplastic role is controversial. Over time several classifications have been developed for this lesions according to its architectural and cellular aspects.

Materials and Methods: Aim of the study is morphometrically assessment of epithelial component nuclei in prostatic atrophy. We evaluated parameters represented by nuclear area (NA), nuclear perimeter P (μm) Elongation factor (E), average diameter (DEQ), maximum diameter (Dmax), Minim diameter (Dmin). The control group was represented by adenomatous hyperplasia component of benign hyperplasia of the prostate.

Results: Morphometric analysis revealed significantly higher values of nuclear parameters in atrophy compared with adenomatous component in controls (p <0.05) which can signify nucleomegaly and a potential preneoplastic role.