Clinical pathology of prostate cancer: focus on diagnosis, predictive and prognostic factors and quality indicators.

Nowadays more and detailed information is available from the pathologic analysis of the prostatic biopsies and surgical samples in patients with prostate carcinoma. METHODS: A systematic revision has brought to focus on the most important histopathologic aspects which are of clinical relevance in terms of diagnosis and prognosis. RESULTS: This article summarizes the most important recommendations and definitions of the diagnostic and prognostic factors which are shared by the main scientific urological and pathological scientific associations. The quality indicators of needle cores and prostatectomy surgical specimens are shown in detail. CONCLUSION: This review is means for the physician involved in prostate cancer management (urologist, pathologist, radiologist, oncologist and radiotherapist) to improve interdisciplinary communication and the patient counseling.