Beyond the Diagnosis: Understanding Prostate Cancer Types and Stages

Prostate cancer is a serious disease that affects many men. It is important to understand the different types and stages of prostate cancer in order to make informed decisions about treatment options.

The stage of a person’s prostate cancer will determine which treatment approach may be best for them. In this article, we will discuss various types and stages of prostate cancer so you can have a better understanding and make an informed decision regarding your treatment options.

Prostate Cancer Staging

​Prostate cancer stages are determined using two standard systems: the clinical and the pathological staging systems.

• Clinical Stage

Clinical staging is based on information available from physical examinations, biopsies, and imaging tests such as CT scans or MRIs. 

• Pathologic Stage

Pathological staging is based on the results of the prostatectomy, which is a surgery to remove the entire prostate gland. 

TMN and Gleason Score System

Prostate cancer is commonly assessed using the TNM staging system. TNM stands for tumour size (T), involvement of lymph nodes (N), and metastasis (M) which checks whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Additionally, it is also assigned using the Gleason score system. This is determined by examining tissue from the prostate under a microscope and assigning a grade between 1 and 5 for each tumour type present. 

The higher the Gleason score, the more aggressive the cancer is likely to be, and the greater the risk of recurrence or spread.

• Early-stage Prostate Cancer (Stages I and II)

The early stages of prostate cancer are usually asymptomatic, meaning there are no obvious symptoms. It is typically detected through routine screening tests such as the digital rectal exam and the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. 

The cancer cells are confined to the prostate tissue and have not spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes. 

• Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer (Stage III)

Locally advanced prostate cancer means that the cancer cells have grown outside the prostate gland and may have spread to nearby lymph nodes or tissues. 

• Metastatic Prostate Cancer (Stage IV)

When prostate cancer spreads to other parts of the body, such as distant lymph nodes or other organs, it is known as metastatic prostate cancer. The Gleason score may be very high in this stage, indicating an aggressive form of the disease.

Treatment for Prostate Cancer

Treatment for prostate cancer depends on the cancer's stage as well as the patient's age and overall health. Treatment options may include removing the tumour or killing the prostate cancer cells, such as:

1. Active surveillance

2. Surgery

3. Radiation therapy

4. Cryotherapy

5. Hormone therapy

6. Chemotherapy

7. Immunotherapy

8. Targeted therapy

Bottom Line

While there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for prostate cancer, understanding the various types and stages can help you make an informed decision about your health and well-being. 

Regular screenings, such as the digital rectal exam and PSA test, are essential for detecting prostate cancer in its early stages. Prostate cancer can be managed and possibly cured with the right treatment.