Overview of prostate anatomy, histology, and pathology

Abstract

The human prostate is heterogeneous with regard to its embryologic origin. The two most prevalent diseases of aging males, benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer (PCa), arise from different zones within the prostate. The biology of PCa is also heterogeneous and even within a single individual there often exist prostate cancers with varying potential to progress and metastasize. Through careful study of the histology and molecular signatures of both the human and mouse-modeled disease, treatment decisions can be tailored to individual cases so as to optimize efficacy and minimize side effects from therapy.