Atypical diagnosis in prostate needle biopsies from a developing country (Philippines): The essential role of a urological pathologist

PURPOSE: Borderline prostatic lesions, with insufficient histomorphologic features, to be definitely diagnosed as prostatic adenocarcinoma (PCa) are often signed out as “atypical glands suspicious for carcinoma” or atypical small acinar proliferation (ASAP). These findings that eventually warrant either immunohistochemical (IHC) studies or a repeat biopsy, prove to be more burdensome to patients in developing countries (such as the Philippines), where health care is not as progressive nor is it an utmost priority. At the same time, in countries like the Philippines, there is a shortage of urological pathologists. METHODS: In this study, we compared the transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate (TRUS) biopsies signed out by general surgical pathologists in St. Luke's Medical Center Quezon City from 2008–2010, and the TRUS Biopsies primarily signed out by a urologic pathologist in both St. Luke's Medical Center Quezon City and Global City from July 2013 to July 2014, and from September 2013 to July 2014, respectively. RESULTS: From 2008 to 2010, 30.6% (129 of 421) of the cases were signed out as atypical. Of these, 79 underwent IHC staining, 21 (26.6%) of which were eventually signed out as PCa. Compared to those signed out in 2013 to 2014 by our genitourinary pathologist, only 16.6% (39 of 235) of the cases were signed out as atypical. Of these, 16 underwent IHC staining, with 15 (93%) of them being definitively diagnosed as PCa. Among the 21 cases wherein a repeat biopsy was recommended, only three followed and two of these had findings of PCa on repeat biopsy. Looking at our 16.6% rate of atypicals and subtracting those that were eventually established as PCa after IHCs, our atypicals would be down to 10% (24/235) in 2013–2014 compared to 25.7% (108/421) in 2008–2010. CONCLUSIONS: These results highlight the critical role a specialist has in the field of urological pathology, especially in developing countries. It is in the diagnosis of PCa in needle biopsies that a urological pathologist impacts the use of an atypical diagnosis, by ensuring its judicious use. This ultimately benefits the patients, by lessening unwarranted expenses through the decreased dependence on IHC staining and if necessary, a repeat biopsy.