CRYSTALLOIDS IN METASTATIC PROSTATIC ADENOCARCINOMA

The authors report a case of metastatic prostate cancer masquerading a s a primary lung tumor. Histologically, the lung tumor displayed eosin ophilic crystalloids in the malignant glands typical of those previous ly described in prostatic adenocarcinoma. Review of histologic materia l from 30 additional patients with metastatic prostate cancer failed t o reveal crystalloids in the metastases. Seven patients with histologi c material from locally advanced prostatic adenocarcinoma, defined as spread to the rectum, bladder, or nonnodal pelvic soft tissue, were al so reviewed. One of these patients demonstrated crystalloids in the bl adder extension of locally advanced prostatic adenocarcinoma. Although rare, the presence of crystalloids may be used as strong evidence for the prostatic origin of an adenocarcinoma of uncertain origin.