Nucleolar morphometry in fine needle aspiration biopsies of the prostate

Objective: To find efficient morphometric nucleolar features for distinguis hing different prostatic atypia groups in fine needle aspiration biopsies. Study design: A computerized interactive morphometry program was used to ou tline nucleoli of prostate cells. The samples were divided into three group s: group 1 (definitely benign [n = 10] and atypical but benign [n = 13]), g roup 2 (moderately atypical [n = 11] or highly suspicious [n = 13]) and gro up 3 (definitely malignant [n = 17]). Results: The analysis revealed a difference ein a number of nucleoli betwee n definitely benign samples and other atypia groups but not between the lat ter. Nucleolar size features were best in distinguishing between atypia gro ups. The sample-associated mean size features were mode powerful than cell group-associated size features. Conclusion: The sample-associated mean area, defined from cells selected by an experienced cytologist, if larger than 2 mum(2), was strongly associate d with definitely malignant samples. The same was true for the largest nucl eolar size features appeared efficient in distinguishing between definitely malignant and other samples.