Clinicopathological features and prevalence of prostate cancer in Aseer, Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence and characterize prostate cancer (PC) cases in Aseer, Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

This study involved 883 patients who consulted physicians in Aseer Central Hospital, Abha, Saudi Arabia, for prostate issues between the years 2008-2018. All patients underwent digital rectal examination and measurement of their serum prostate-specific antigen levels. For patients who presented abnormal digital rectal examination findings and elevated prostate-specific antigen levels, prostate biopsies were recommended. Specimens were histopathologically examined to differentiate between malignant and benign tumors.

RESULTS

Among the 883 included patients, 132 (15%) underwent a prostate biopsy and were found to have a tumor. Histopathological examination confirmed malignancy (PC) in 77 (8.7%) patients. The absolute majority of the patients diagnosed with PC (96%) were aged >60 years and almost all of them (92%) were found to have a high prostate-specific antigen level of >4 ng/ml.

CONCLUSION

Prostate cancer appears to be a serious disease in Aseer, Saudi Arabia. Further studies aimed at determining the causes of this type of cancer and understanding its mechanisms are warranted.