The prostate consists of three main zones: peripheral, transition, and central. Most prostate cancers start in the peripheral (outer) zone. Benign prostate enlargement (BPH) usually happens in the transition zone, which can get bigger with age. The central zone cancers are rare. Knowing where the problem starts helps doctors understand symptoms and interpret scans, biopsies, and exam findings.
Infographic showing the prostate’s peripheral, transition, and central zones, where they are located, and why each zone matters for prostate cancer and enlargement.