Prostate Cancer Stages

How to assess the prostate cancer stages from beginning to end, for better treatment and peace of mind. The stages of prostate cancer are distinct from one another with clear indications between them.

The main distinctions are; the cancer's size, if it's localized within your prostate, and if it's spread to other areas of your body.

TNM (Tumor size, Nodes, Metastasis)

The TNM prostate cancer classification is a scale to determine your tumor size, whether it's spread to your lymph nodes, and whether it's spread to the rest of your body.

Tumor Size and Prostate Cancer

• - Stage T1: When your cancer is only found within your prostate and not detectable by an ultrasound or digital prostate exam.

This stage is generally found by a biopsy or PSA test.

• - Stage T2: When your cancer is still found within your prostate, but detectable by an ultrasound or digital rectal exam.

• - Stage T3: When your cancer has spread outside of your prostate, along the surrounding area.

• - Stage T4: When your cancer has spread, but localized around your seminal vesicles, bladder and pelvis, rectum, and urethra.

Nodes and Prostate Cancer

• - Stage N0: When your prostate cancer has not progressed to your lymph nodes.

• - Stage N1, N2, N3: When your cancer has spread to your lymph nodes (the higher the number the more advanced the cancer).

Metastasis and Prostate Cancer

• - Stage M0: When your prostate cancer has not progressed to other organs of your body.

• - Stage M1: When your cancer has progressed to your other organs (lungs, liver, bones, etc...)

Outlining the stages of prostate cancer can get you better prepared against your fight that lies ahead.

Your doctor can suggest the best treatment for prostate cancer appropriate to your stage.