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Precision Molecular Pathology of Prostate Cancer pp 37–56Cite as

Pathology of Prostate Cancer

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Part of the book series: Molecular Pathology Library ((MPLB))

Abstract

Although molecular pathology is a fast-growing and important area in the world of prostate cancer, the diagnosis of prostate cancer still requires histologic confirmation, and the foundation for virtually all treatment and research is still based on the tumor’s histomorphology. This chapter focuses on the pathology of prostate cancer, beginning with the diagnostic features of prostate cancer under the microscope. We also discuss the Gleason grading system as well as the newly adopted Grade Groups, which are prognostic groups that incorporate the modifications made to the Gleason system over the decades, provide a more meaningful framework for research, and allow for better patient understanding of their disease. The more common and clinically significant histologic variants of acinar and non-acinar prostate cancer are also reviewed, and applications of immunohistochemistry in prostate cancer diagnosis are also discussed. Treatment-related changes, such as those following radiation or hormone therapy, are examined as these can drastically change the morphology of the tumor as well as provide prognostic information. Finally, key aspects related to pathologic specimens, including their handling and the reporting of prostate cancer therein, are reviewed.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA

    Shaham Beg M.D. & Francesca Khani M.D.

  2. Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA

    Shaham Beg M.D.

  3. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA

    Brian D. Robinson M.D.

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  1. Shaham Beg M.D.
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  2. Francesca Khani M.D.
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  3. Brian D. Robinson M.D.
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Correspondence to Brian D. Robinson M.D. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA

    Brian D. Robinson

  2. Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA

    Juan Miguel Mosquera

  3. Institute for Academic Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, Houston, Texas, USA

    Jae Y. Ro

  4. Institute for Academic Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, Houston, Texas, USA

    Mukul Divatia

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Beg, S., Khani, F., Robinson, B.D. (2018). Pathology of Prostate Cancer. In: Robinson, B., Mosquera, J., Ro, J., Divatia, M. (eds) Precision Molecular Pathology of Prostate Cancer. Molecular Pathology Library. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-64096-9_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-64096-9_4

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