Cytological grading of prostatic aspiration biopsy: a comparison with the Gleason grading system

Cytological grade determined by fine needle aspiration of the prostate was compared to histological grade in 30 patients undergoing subsequent radical prostatectomy. The degree of cytological pleomorphism determined by the consensus grade of 3 observers predicted correctly the Gleason grade sum range in 80 per cent of the cases. The cytological grade was reasonably reproducible with agreement among all 3 observers in 50 per cent of the cases and between 2 of 3 observers in the remainder. The accuracy of predicting the Gleason grade sum of the radical prostatectomy specimen by cytological examination compared favorably with that achieved by histological examination of cutting needle biopsy and transurethral resection specimens reported in the literature.