Granulomatous prostatitis

Granulomatous prostatitis is an uncommon disease of the prostate, an exocrine gland of the male reproductive system.^[1] It is a form of prostatitis (prostate inflammation), resulting from infection (bacterial, viral, or fungal), BCG vaccine, malacoplakia or systemic granulomatous diseases which involve the prostate.

Granulomatous prostatitis
Micrograph showing a granulomatous prostatitis due to BCG treatment for bladder cancer. H&E stain.
Specialty	Urology

Pathogenesis

Prostatic secretions escape into the stroma and elicit an inflammatory response.^[2]

Histopathology

Noticeable destruction of Acini, surrounded by epitheloid cells, giant cells, lymphocytes, plasma cells and dense fibrosis.^[2]

Mimicry of prostate cancer

Granulomatous prostatitis can be mistaken for prostate cancer, including on rectal examination, MRI, and heightened PSA scores. A biopsy differentiates.^[3][4][5][6]

Causes

Some 70% of cases are idiopathic. Causes may include infection and immunological links.^[6]

Prevalence

One study stated prevalence in 0.44% in routine prostatectomy specimens, 0.29% in needle biopsies, and 0.77% of TURP, simple prostatectomy, and needle biopsy.^[2]