Gleason Score as a Diagnostic Tool in Prostate Cancer Assessment: Findings from a Tertiary Health Care Center in Southwest, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71637/tnhj.v25i1.947Keywords:
prostate cancer, Gleason score, inflammation, corporea amylacea, Prostate cancer (PCa), prostate specific antigen (PSA), digital rectal examination (DRE), transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP)Abstract
Background: Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of death from cancers in elderly males. Gleason score has been used to evaluate patients with abnormal serum levels of prostate-specific antigen, and digital rectal examination. We assessed prostate cancer patients' Gleason scores and pathological findings.
Method: A retrospective assessment of the data of 149 patients with the diagnosis of prostate cancer from the anatomic pathology laboratory between 2017 and 2021 was conducted. Retrieved variables included findings on Gleason score, symptoms, inflammation, corporea amylacea, and digital rectal examination findings.
Result: Prostate cancer was more common in the 70-74 years’ age group, and least common between 50 and 54 years. A Gleason score from 6 upwards was associated with low back pain, and common between 55 and 59 years, and 64 and 69 years. Most of the diagnoses were made through tru-cut biopsy. Both irritative and obstructive symptoms were present across the population age groups. A significant proportion of participants (p=0.0494) had higher tumour grades (4 and 5). There was a significant presence of enlarged and nodular masses and, involvement of the median groove, p=0.1029. The presence of corporea amylacea is not a significant feature of prostate cancer, p=0.0013.
Conclusion: The Gleason score is a useful diagnostic criterion in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with abnormal digital rectal examination and prostate-specific antigen. It could streamline and guide treatment modalities for prostate cancer patients in our environment.
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