Tumors of the prostate can either be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). There are certain tumors that are classified as atypical (uncertain or unspecified behavior) meaning that some behave in a benign manner, or some behave in a malignant manner. A majority of the prostatic tumors diagnosed via lab studies (biopsy) are benign. The prostate is a gland that encircles the urethra in males.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is an authoritative body that compiles, prepares, and publishes histological and molecular classification of tumors, via their Blue Books, based on research inputs from experts worldwide. These reference books chiefly aid in global cancer research, provide gold standards for tumor diagnosis, and help in treating cancer patients.

According to the WHO Classification of Urinary and Male Genital Tumors (2019), 5th Ed., Vol. 8, benign and malignant tumors of the prostate are classified in the following manner:

Tumors of the prostate:

• Tumors of the prostate

Epithelial tumors of the prostate

• Glandular neoplasms of the prostate
  • Prostatic cystadenoma
  • High-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia
  • Intraductal carcinoma of the prostate
  • Prostatic acinar adenocarcinoma
  • Prostatic ductal adenocarcinoma
  • Treatment-related neuroendocrine prostatic carcinoma
• Squamous neoplasms of the prostate
  • Adenosquamous carcinoma of the prostate
  • Squamous cell carcinoma of the prostate
  • Adenoid cystic (basal cell) carcinoma of the prostate

Mesenchymal tumors unique to the prostate

• Stromal tumors of the prostate
  • Prostatic stromal tumor of uncertain malignant potential
  • Prostatic stromal sarcoma

Additional prostatic tumors articles (on DoveMed) that are not part of WHO Classification of Urinary and Male Genital Tumors:

Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma (LCNEC) of the Prostate: It is an extremely rare and high-grade neuroendocrine tumor that is seen in the prostate gland.

Mixed Neuroendocrine Neoplasm of the Prostate: It is an extremely rare and high-grade neuroendocrine tumor that is seen in the prostate gland.

Postoperative Spindle-Cell Nodule of Prostate: It is a rare and benign tumor that forms due to an injury (tissue damage), typically arising from a surgical procedure involving the lower genitourinary tract. It is generally observed in middle-aged and older adult men.

Prostate Cancer: It is a type of cancer that develops within the tissue of a male prostate gland. It is among the most prevalent types of cancers in men.

Small Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma (SCNEC) of the Prostate: It is a rare high-grade neuroendocrine tumor that is seen in the prostate gland.

Solitary Fibrous Tumor (SFT) of Prostate: It is a mostly benign overgrowth arising from mesenchymal tissue. The tumor is usually diagnosed in middle-aged men.