SEMINAL-VESICLE EPITHELIUM IN FINE-NEEDLE ASPIRATION BIOPSIES OF PROSTATE AS A PITFALL IN CYTOLOGIC DIAGNOSIS OF CARCINOMA

Abstract

The morphologic features of seminal vesicle epithelial cells were studied in 3300 fine needle aspiration biopsies of the prostate. Seminal vesicle material was found in 50 patients. The most usual and distinctive features in seminal vesicle epithelial cells were yellowish-brown cytoplasmic pigment granules and large hyperchromatic polyploid nuclei. Intranuclear cytoplasmic inclusions, nuclear folding and prominent nucleoli were observed in approximately 1/3 of the cases. Seminal vesicle secretion and stromal cells were seen in most cases, spermatozoa less frequently. The recognition of seminal vesicle epithelial cells in fine needle aspiration biopsies of the prostate is considered important in the avoidance of cytodiagnostic errors.