1. ¹Department of Pathology, MCP-Hahnemann University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
2. ²Department of Urology, MCP-Hahnemann University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Correspondence: Fernando U. Garcia, M.D., Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, MCP-Hahnemann University, MS 435, 15th and Vine Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19102-1192. e-mail: Fernando.Garcia@drexel.edu; fax: 215-246-5493

Accepted 27 January 2000.

Abstract

Changes in the native vasculature of the prostate gland associated with prostate adenocarcinoma have not been well characterized. Eighty-nine whole mounts of entirely submitted radical prostatectomies were reviewed. Thirty prostates with a minimum of five native arteries surrounded by carcinoma with corresponding control arteries were found and included in this study. The number of nuclei in the media of native arteries was recorded per 0.138 mm² using a 40 objective.

The number of nuclei in vessels embedded in carcinoma (n = 204) was increased when compared with controls (26.37 versus 20.58 mean nuclei per 0.138 mm²; P < .001). Pathologic Stage T3 carcinomas contained vessels that were more cellular than stage T2 (P < .001). Vessels embedded in Gleason Grade 4 showed more cellularity than arteries embedded in Gleason Grade 3 (P < .002).

Increased media cellularity of native prostate vessels encased in carcinoma is a histologic feature of higher grade/stage prostate carcinoma and provides positive indicator of advanced prostate cancer.