Staging is an important part of diagnosing cancer and plays a key role in determining how to treat the disease. Once prostate cancer is confirmed, oncologists must assess its characteristics and determine whether it has spread beyond the prostate. This information helps them select the most effective treatment and provide accurate information to patients and their families.
Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA) is one of the nation’s largest networks of cancer specialists, with more than 100 oncologists practicing at community-based centers throughout New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. Its team of oncologists and hematologists provides personalized treatments for a wide variety of cancer types and blood disorders. Here, experts discuss prostate cancer stages to help patients understand their diagnosis.
Prostate cancer develops in the prostate gland. When cancer forms in the prostate, the organ’s cells mutate and begin growing rapidly. This creates an abnormal mass known as a tumor.
The prostate is a walnut-sized organ that is part of the male reproductive system. It is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Its main function is to produce seminal fluid, which transports sperm, along with aiding in ejaculation.
The Gleason system is a method used by physicians to describe how severely mutated prostate cancer cells are. Pathologists study several tumor tissue samples under a microscope. They grade each sample from 1 to 5 based on how abnormal the cells look, with higher grades given to more abnormal samples. They then select the two samples with the greatest amounts of cancer cells and add their grades together. The resulting number is the Gleason score. The score is used to determine a grade group as follows:
The higher the grade group, the more likely the cancer is to spread quickly. This makes Gleason score and grade group important factors in determining prostate cancer stage.
After thoroughly evaluating a patient’s cancer, oncologists will assign it a stage. All cancer types use a staging system, though the qualifiers for each stage vary between types. Prostate cancer is usually staged based on the TNM system, which stands for Tumor, Node, and Metastasis. Factors for consideration in the TNM system include:
The Gleason score, grade group, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels from blood testing all are considered in staging prostate cancer.
When using the TNM system, oncologists assign each cancer case a stage from I to IV. Higher stages indicate a greater degree of spread. They are also associated with worse outlooks.
Stage I is the earliest stage of prostate cancer. At this stage, the tumor is found only in the prostate gland and is small and slow-growing. Stage I prostate cancer is marked by the following characteristics:
In Stage I prostate cancer, the tumor may be too small to feel with a digital rectal exam or see on an ultrasound. Most patients do not experience any symptoms or health issues related to the disease, which can make Stage I prostate cancer difficult to detect. Detection at this stage, however, provides patients with the best chance for a cure.
Stage II prostate cancer is still found only in the prostate gland. However, the tumor is much larger and may be more likely to spread than earlier-stage cancer. It has the following characteristics:
The larger tumor is easier to detect with rectal exams or imaging tests, and it may begin to cause noticeable symptoms. Physicians are more likely to recommend an aggressive treatment plan. Most cases can be cured, although the cancer has a higher chance of coming back than does Stage I prostate cancer..
In Stage III, the cancer has grown through the walls of the prostate gland. Cancer cells may have spread to nearby tissues and lymph nodes. It has the following characteristics:
Aggressive treatment is required to control cancer that has already spread beyond the prostate. Stage III cancer also has a higher chance of recurrence than Stage I and Stage II disease
Stage IV, or metastatic cancer, is the most advanced form of prostate cancer. At this stage, cancer cells have spread to nearby organs such as the bladder or rectum. They may also have spread to the bones, lungs, liver, and other parts of the body. It has the following characteristics:
With Stage IV prostate cancer, the goal of treatment is to control the spread of disease, extend the patient’s survival, and preserve quality of life as much as possible.
A variety of effective treatment options are available for prostate cancer, and many men receive two or more types of treatment sequentially or at the same time. The most appropriate plan depends in large part on the cancer’s stage, with more advanced stages requiring more aggressive methods. Oncologists work with patients to select the best approach from the following options:
RCCA’s medical oncologists and radiation oncologists offer the latest approaches to treating prostate cancer, and work closely with urologists who provide surgical treatment. RCCA also participates in clinical trials, giving patients access to promising advances in cancer care.
When patients understand their diagnosis, they are empowered to make informed decisions about their treatment. Patients can learn more about prostate cancer stages at Regional Cancer Care Associates. RCCA offers personalized treatment for cancer and blood disorders at more than 20 locations near you across New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. . Contact RCCA today to schedule a consultation.
What are the early signs of prostate cancer?
In many cases, early prostate cancer causes no symptoms. Symptoms are more likely to appear in Stage II or III disease and include difficulty urinating, frequent urination (especially at night), and blood in urine or semen.
What is the survival rate for prostate cancer?
Survival rates for prostate cancer depend on the cancer stage. The 5-year survival rate is very high (nearly 100%) for cancer that is localized to the prostate but decreases to about 37% if the cancer has spread to other organs.
Can prostate cancer recur?
Prostate cancer can return after treatment, especially for high-risk patients or those with high-stage cancer. Patients typically receive routine surveillance after treatment to monitor for recurrence.
What treatment options are available for prostate cancer?
The best prostate cancer treatment for a specific patient depends on the cancer stage and other factors. Options include active surveillance, surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.
When is active surveillance recommended?
Active surveillance is an approach that focuses on long-term monitoring. It may be recommended for patients whose cancer is small and slow growing. It may also be recommended if the patient is elderly or has health issues that may preclude aggressive treatments.
If you’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer or are concerned about potential symptoms, contact RCCA today. Our team of cancer care specialists will assess the stage of your cancer using the latest diagnostic methods and work with you to design a fully individualized care plan that includes advanced treatment options, the potential for clinical trials, and support that addresses physical and emotional well-being. To speak with a representative right away, please call 844-346-7222.
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