Understanding the stage of my cancer reassured me: it showed me that suitable treatment options exist at every stage, and that I could move forward confidently with my medical team.
The different stages of prostate cancer
The stage of prostate cancer is determined by the amount of cancer present in the body and its location at the time of diagnosis.
The information obtained from the screening examinations described above will determine the size of the tumor, the parts of the organ affected by the cancer, and its extent (localized cancer or cancer that has spread beyond the prostatic capsule).
The TNM classification system is the most commonly used staging system to classify prostate cancer into four stages (T1, T2, T3, and T4).
Stage T1
Stage T2
Stage T3
Stage T4
Localized prostate adenocarcinoma (stage T1 or T2)
The tumor is intracapsular, i.e. confined within the prostate. The capsule is a layer of fibers around the prostate gland and is not involved.
Stage T1
This is a tumor that is not palpable (the rectal examination is normal). The cancer can be detected by PSA, MRI, and biopsy.
Stage T2
This is a tumor that is palpable upon rectal examination.
Locally advanced prostate adenocarcinoma (stage T3 or T4)
Stage T3
This is a tumor that reaches the edges of the gland (capsule) and/or the seminal vesicles.
Stage T4
This is a more extensive regional extension, which may reach the bladder neck or rectum. At this stage, the lymph nodes and/or other organs may be invaded (metastases).
Sources:
Brierley JD, Gospodarowicz MK and Wittekind C (eds.). (2017). TNM Classification of Malignant Tumours. (8th edition). Wiley Blackwell.
Djavan B, Bostanci Y, Kazzazi A. Epidemiology, screening, pathology and pathogenesis. Nargund VH, Raghavan D, Sandler HM (eds.). (2015). Urological Oncology. Springer. 39: 677-695.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Prostate Cancer (Version 1.2016).
Excerpt from: http://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/prostate.pdf
for more information
Treatments
The treatment strategy is tailored to each individual case. It depends primarily on the characteristics of the cancer affecting the patient: its location, grade and stage.
HIFU treatments
Focal One® – Robotic focal HIFU treatment
Focal One is a medical device used to treat localized prostate cancer by ultrasound (HIFU), subject to certain criteria.