A 62-year-old man undergoes multiparametric MRI of the prostate. On axial T2-weighted images through the gland, which zone normally shows homogeneous high signal intensity and is also the site of origin of approximately 70 percent of prostate cancers?

• A Central zone
• B Transitional zone
• C Periurethral zone
• D Peripheral zone ✓

Explanation

The peripheral zone forms the posterolateral bulk of the gland and is uniformly hyperintense on T2 because of its glandular stroma composition; malignant foci appear as low signal areas within it. The transitional zone is the common site of benign prostatic hyperplasia rather than carcinoma, and the central zone resists both carcinoma and inflammation, appearing darker on T2.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.