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Stages of Prostate Cancer
Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of prostate cancer, comprising nearly 95 percent of cases. This cancer is generally slow growing and remains confined to the prostate until its later stages.
Small cell carcinoma is a rare, aggressive prostate cancer that initially forms in nerve cells. This type of cancer generally doesn't increase prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and is more difficult to detect in its early stages. More advanced cases of small cell carcinoma can be difficult to treat.
Squamous cell carcinoma is another aggressive prostate cancer. Like small cell carcinoma, squamous cell prostate cancer doesn't increase PSA levels, making it difficult to detect and less likely to be caught early.
Other, rarer prostate cancer types also exist. The large number of prostate patients who come to Mayo Clinic means our surgeons, oncologists, and staff have experience diagnosing and treating all known types of prostate cancer.
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