What is the most common type of prostate cancer?

Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of prostate cancer, accounting for approximately 95% of all cases. This type originates from the glandular tissue of the prostate, which produces the fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. The significant prevalence of adenocarcinoma in prostate cancer cases is due to its development from prostatic epithelial cells, which are the primary cells in the prostate tissue.

In contrast, other types of cancer listed have a much lower incidence in the prostate. Squamous cell carcinoma is rare in this location and typically arises in areas subjected to chronic irritation or inflammation. Transitional cell carcinoma is more common in the bladder than in the prostate and small cell carcinoma, although aggressive, is also atypical for the prostate gland. Thus, understanding the predominant cellular composition and characteristics of prostate tissue clarifies why adenocarcinoma is the most frequently diagnosed prostate cancer.