Home HealthTopics Health Centers Reference Library Research
Join us on Facebook Join us on Facebook Share on Facebook
Share

Prostate Cancer

Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia (PIN) and Crystallization

07/30/2001

Question:

Hi, this question involves a situation where a biopsy, although negative for cancer, revealed tissue that may be precancerous and will require medical intervention, with what I don`t know. Anyway, the doctor labeled it PIN which is an acronym. My question is what is the medical condition that PIN refers to? Also, the biopsy revealed that crystallization was occurring to the prostate. What is crystallization and what causes it?

Answer:

PIN stand for Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia and when high grade, a repeat biopsy is required. It is associated with cancer when it is high grade. If it is of a lower grade we follow patients and only repeat the biopsy if the PSA rises. Crystal formation and stones are common in the prostate and relate to the secretory funtion of the gland. I hope this information is helpful to you.

For more information:

Go to the Prostate Cancer health topic, where you can:

Response by:

Martin I Resnick, MD Martin I Resnick, MD
Formerly, Professor of Urology
School of Medicine
Case Western Reserve University