Prostatic Adenocarcinoma
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Overview
Plain-Language Overview
Prostatic adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that starts in the prostate gland, which is part of the male reproductive system. The prostate helps produce fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. This cancer mainly affects older men and can grow slowly or aggressively. It often does not cause symptoms early on but may lead to problems with urination or pelvic pain as it progresses. The disease can spread to bones and lymph nodes, causing more serious health issues. Early detection is important for managing the condition effectively. Screening tests and biopsies help identify this cancer before symptoms develop.
Clinical Definition
Prostatic adenocarcinoma is a malignant neoplasm arising from the glandular epithelium of the prostate, typically originating in the peripheral zone. It is the most common non-cutaneous cancer in men and is driven by androgen receptor signaling and genetic alterations such as TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusion. The disease is characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of prostatic epithelial cells forming irregular glands with prominent nucleoli. Clinically, it may present with lower urinary tract symptoms or be asymptomatic and detected via elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. Histopathology shows infiltrative glands lacking basal cells and positive immunostaining for PSA and PSAP. The major clinical significance lies in its potential for local invasion and distant metastasis, especially to bone, which can cause significant morbidity.