How to Know the Stages of Prostate Cancer

The stages of prostate cancer are classified according to a basic lettering/numbering system which allows both the doctor and patient to understand how far the cancer has spread. A more intricate and specific system also exists to describe prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Oncologist

1. Understand that Stage A cancer (called Stage 1 in some parts of the world) means the prostate cancer is in its earliest possible stage. Stage A prostate cancer is usually undetectable during a digital-rectal examination (DRE), exhibits no physical symptoms and is contained entirely within the prostate. Stage A prostate cancer is usually found when treating a patient for an unrelated problem with his prostate.

2. Know that Stage B (or Stage 2) cancer still means the cancer is located entirely within the prostate, but the tumor has now grown large enough to be detected by an ultrasound image test or digital-rectal exam.

3. Be aware that in Stage C (or Stage 3) prostate cancer, the tumor has spread to the tissues surrounding the prostate. Stage C cancer must be aggressively treated to prevent further spreading. This will likely involve surgery or radiation therapy, and it will entail adjustments to your lifestyle. Your oncologist can answer any specific questions you may have.

4. Realize that Stage D (or Stage 4) cancer is more serious, meaning that the cancerous tumor has spread beyond the prostate and into the bones or lymph nodes. Prostate cancer usually does not spread to other organs.

Understand the TNM Classification System

5. Familiarize yourself with the TNM system if you've been diagnosed with prostate cancer. 'T' stands for 'Tumor,' 'N' for 'Node' and 'M' for 'Metastasis.'

6. Understand that cancer in the 'T' or 'tumor stage' is sub-classified into Stage T1 through T4. In stage T1, the tumor is very small and difficult to detect, as in Stage A. Stage T2 prostate cancer is detectable by DRE or ultrasound imaging, but still confined entirely to the prostate. In Stage T3, the cancer has spread to tissues surrounding the prostate, and in Stage T4, the tumor has reached other organs (such as the bladder) but remains within the pelvic area.

7. Know your lymph nodes to understand the 'N' classifications. These are easy to grasp: 'N0' (zero) means there is no spread of the tumor to your lymph nodes. Stages N1, N2 and N3 mean it has, with 1 being the least severe and 3 being the most severe.

8. Understand that 'M' refers to 'metastasis' stages, and this level describes a cancerous tumor that has spread far beyond the region of the body in which it originated, such as to the bones and/or other organs. 'M0' means metastasis has yet to occur, and 'M1' means the cancer has reached the metastasis stage.

9. Seek hospice care if your cancer has reached the M1 stage and your oncologist can no longer apply curative treatment.

Tips & Warnings

• Know your rights as a patient. The confidentiality of your medical file and your employment are among the items protected by law.
• If you have prostate cancer, ask your doctor about the options used to treat cancer that has reached the stage that corresponds to your diagnosis. Treatments vary considerably, depending on the severity of the patient's condition.
• Facing cancer can put tremendous strain on a person's psychological and emotional health. Patients with strong feelings of isolation or depression are urged reach out for help. Support groups and therapists are both highly recommended options.

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