No change in the prevalence of latent prostate cancer over the last 10 years: a forensic autopsy study in Japan.

Although the morbidity rate of prostate cancer has increased with 2.3 times in these 10 years in Japan, little is known about the changes in the prevalence of latent prostate cancer. To understand changes in the prevalence of latent prostate cancer, a retrospective analysis was performed. Forensic autopsy findings from Tochigi Prefecture between September 2012 and February 2014 were collected. Two cross sections, from the base and apex of the prostate, were examined histopathologically. The prevalence of latent prostate cancer was compared with findings from forensic autopsies performed between August 2002 and July 2005 in the same region. The prevalence of latent prostate cancer in both groups was similar, showing an overall prevalence of 13.6% and 12.2% and a Gleason score >6 of 6.2% and 7.1%, respectively. When prevalence was compared by cause of death, the values were similar for both groups. The prevalence of latent prostate cancer in this Japanese population did not show any significant change over the past 10 years. The dramatic increase in morbidity rate for prostate cancer could be from the increase in prostate-specific antigen screening and subsequent referral to urologists.

Latent prostate cancer in Japanese men who die unnatural deaths: A forensic autopsy study.

BACKGROUND: An accurate natural history of prostate cancer (PC) can be obtained from forensic autopsies of individuals who had performed their normal daily activities immediately before death and had not undergone long-term medical interventions. A retrospective analysis of such individuals was performed to understand the features of latent PC in Japan. METHODS: The findings of forensic autopsies performed at Dokkyo Medical University from August 2002 to July 2005 on men without severely destroyed or severely decomposed tissues were collected. Two cross sections, at the base and apex of the prostate, were examined histopathologically. Data collected included basic history, cause of death, location of PC, and Gleason score. RESULTS: Of 196 forensically autopsied males aged 0-90 years, 24 (12.7%) had latent PC. When analyzed by age group, PC was most prevalent among individuals in their eighties (33.3%). The prevalence of PC was similar in males who died of disease and of external causes. Most PCs were located at the base of the prostate, but were present on both the anterior and posterior sides. Nine of the 24 autopsied individuals also had other diseases, with three having cancers other than PC. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of the features of latent PC in Asian men who died of unnatural causes. Forensic autopsies can clarify the natural history of PC and may help fill knowledge gaps regarding latent PC.

Eight case reports on sex-hormone profiles in sexually mature male Down syndrome.

Down syndrome (DS) is a congenital disorder usually caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21. Although the number of postpubertal patients with DS is increasing, only limited information is available on their gonadal and sexual development. The aim of this case report was to examine sex-hormone profiles in sexually mature male patients with DS. Eight postpubertal male patients with trisomy 21 (mean age 28 years, range 15-54 years) participated in this study. The serum level of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone was significantly elevated and testosterone was slightly decreased. The testicular volume was smaller in all eight cases than that observed in healthy male subjects. The elevated luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels, the lower testosterone levels and a smaller testicular volume observed in all eight cases suggest a significant degree of germinal cell hypoplasia in mature male patients with DS.