Prostate Cancer – Deciphering Its Staging

Prostate Cancer is the prevalent form of cancer affecting males which originates due to the unrestrained growth of the cells present in the prostate gland.

Stages of Prostate Cancer

The general staging involves the three categories, namely:

T – The size of the primary tumor.

N- If the cancer has metastasized to the adjacent lymph nodes.

M- The appearance or non-appearance of remote metastasis.

All these three are taken into consideration alongside the Gleason score.

There are four groups for illustrating the local size of the prostate tumor that ranges between T1 to T4 with majority of them also having sub-groupings.

T1
The tumor could not be felt during the DRE exam or viewed during transrectal ultrasound imaging.

T1a
The cancer has been accidentally detected at the time of transurethral resection or TURP carried out on the prostate for BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia). Cancer is there in lesser than five percent of the tissue that has been taken out.

T1b
The cancer is detected while conducting TURP however is there is above five percent of the excised tissue.

T1c
The cancer is detected during needle biopsy conducted due to a rise in the PSA levels.

T2
The cancer could be felt during the DRE, though it is present solely in the prostate gland.

T2a
The cancer is present in either left or right side of the prostate.

T2b
The cancer is present though it has moved past exclusively either the left or right side of the prostate.

T2c
The cancer has spread to both the right and left side of the prostate.

T3
The cancer has started growing and spreading beyond the prostate and could additionally have affected the seminal vesicles.

T3a
The cancer has extended beyond the prostate however sparing the seminal vesicles.

T3b
The seminal vesicles have been affected due to the cancer.

T4
The adjoining tissues to the prostate like the bladder sphincter, the rectal and could affect the pelvic wall (except the seminal vesicles) has shown the cancer spread.

N Grouping

N0
The lymph nodes have not been affected due to the cancer.

N1
One or further closely placed lymph nodes present in the pelvic region could show the presence of cancer.

M Grouping

M0
The locally placed lymph nodes are not affected due to the cancer.

M1
The cancer has metastasized past the locally placed lymph nodes.

M1a
The cancer has metastasized well past the local nodes and reached the remote lymph nodes in the pelvic area.

M1b
The bones have been affected due to the cancer.

M1c
The organs like the lungs, liver, brain could show the presence of cancer – the bone ailment could optionally occur.