Which zone is the most common site for cancer?

Which zone is the most common site for cancer?

• A. Central
• B. Peripheral
• C. Transitional
• D. Fibromuscular

Answer: (B)

In the prostate, cancer most often arises in the peripheral zone. This outer portion contains the majority of prostatic glands, so more cells are present that can undergo malignant transformation. It also sits posteriorly, making tumors easier to feel on a digital rectal exam and easier to image. The central zone has fewer glands, the transitional zone is where BPH tends to occur, and the anterior fibromuscular stroma contains little to no glandular tissue, so cancers are much less common there. Because cancers preferentially develop in the gland-rich peripheral zone, that’s the most frequent site.

In the prostate, cancer most often arises in the peripheral zone. This outer portion contains the majority of prostatic glands, so more cells are present that can undergo malignant transformation. It also sits posteriorly, making tumors easier to feel on a digital rectal exam and easier to image. The central zone has fewer glands, the transitional zone is where BPH tends to occur, and the anterior fibromuscular stroma contains little to no glandular tissue, so cancers are much less common there. Because cancers preferentially develop in the gland-rich peripheral zone, that’s the most frequent site.