Mucin-secreting adenocarcinoma of the prostate with neuroendocrine differentiation and Paneth-like cells.

Abstract

We present an unusual variant of prostatic adenocarcinoma with obvious mucinous and neuroendocrine features, arising in the transition zone. The neuroendocrine component is largely represented by Paneth-like cells (PLCs). These cells correspond to previously described eosinophilic cells and are amphicrine. We could demonstrate immunohistochemically the presence of calcitonin in some of these PLCs. The prognostic significance of these special characteristics is not well known, but it is most likely that this type of prostate cancer will not respond well to hormonal therapy.