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Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men, typically arising from the peripheral zone of the prostate gland. Most cases are adenocarcinomas that develop slowly over years, with risk factors including age, family history, and ethnicity.
Prostate cancer develops through progressive genetic mutations affecting normal prostatic epithelial cells, leading to uncontrolled cellular proliferation. The majority of tumors are androgen-dependent initially, relying on testosterone and dihydrotestosterone for growth and survival through androgen receptor signaling pathways.
Early-stage prostate cancer is often asymptomatic, making screening with PSA levels and digital rectal examination important for detection. Clinical presentation may include urinary symptoms, bone pain from metastases, or elevated PSA levels, requiring further evaluation with imaging and tissue biopsy for definitive diagnosis and staging.