Origins in Glandular Cells

Although several other cell types are found in the prostate, over 99% of prostate cancers develop from glandular cells. Glandular cells produce the seminal fluid that is secreted by the prostate. The medical term for a cancer that starts in glandular cells is adenocarcinoma. Because other types of prostate cancer are so rare, if you have prostate cancer, it is almost certain to be adenocarcinoma.

Varied Growth

Most prostate cancers grow very slowly. Autopsy studies show that many older men who died of other diseases also had prostate cancer that neither they nor their doctors were aware of. Some prostate cancers, however, can grow and spread quickly. Even with the latest methods, it is difficult to tell which cancers may become life threatening and which likely do not require treatment.

Changes in Prostate Gland Cells – PIN

Some doctors believe that prostate cancer begins with a condition called prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN). PIN begins to appear in men in their 20s. Almost 50% of men have PIN by the time they reach 50. In this condition there are changes in the microscopic appearance (size, shape, etc.) of prostate gland cells. These changes are classified as either low-grade, meaning they appear almost normal, or high-grade, meaning they look abnormal. If you have been diagnosed with a high grade PIN on a prostate biopsy, there is a 30% to 50% chance that cancer is also present within your prostate. For this reason, men diagnosed with high-grade PIN are watched carefully and have periodic prostate biopsies.1

  1. American Cancer Society, What Is Prostate Cancer?

While clinical studies support the effectiveness of the da Vinci® System when used in minimally invasive surgery, individual results may vary. Surgery with the da Vinci® Surgical System may not be appropriate for every individual. Always ask your doctor about all treatment options, as well as their risks and benefits.

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