[Pathological assessment of prostate cancer. New problems].

Introduction: Currently, the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer requires the pathologist to adopt a fresh approach to the interpretation of biopsies in order to provide the data required for the new forms of therapy.

Discussion: The new evaluation criteria of the Gleason system are explained, with the redefinition of histological patterns and degree of malignancy, the incorporation of the so-called prognostic groups and the assessment of the tumour mass.

Conclusions: Updating of histopathological information helps to improve patient management, especially in cases of tumour confined to the prostate, given the possibility of local therapy.