Introduction

Abstract

In recent years tumors of the male genital system have acquired a new scientific importance in many respects: First, epidemiologic studies have revealed a striking increase of prostate carcinoma in northwestern Europe and in the USA; it is now counted among the most frequent malignant tumors in males. Geographic and ethnic distributions suggest that this tumor, too, may be triggered by exogenous factors of a still unknown nature. Histologic classification of malignant tumors of the prostate and testes has attained a certain finality, and the clinical relevance of the stages is recognized. Diagnosis by histology is now supplemented by aspiration biopsy cytology which offers a ready and reliable diagnostic potential. Its safety even surpasses that of punch biopsy histology and supports the qualification of cytology as a screening method.