Knowing the specific stages of prostate cancer can help a man discern what is going on with his body. Doctors do this same thing by giving levels or stages to prostate cancer. They do this so they can understand how to communicate the extent of damage to others. Read on in this informative article about the stages of prostate cancer.
The first in the stages of prostate cancer is somewhat of a stage where the cancer is hiding. It is not visible by machines and it can not be felt in a digital rectal exam. This has been labeled stage I prostate cancer. At times this type of cancer is found by accident and is only in the prostate. It it also called stage A1 prostate cancer and is the first of the four stages of prostate cancer.
The next of the stages of prostate cancer is stage II. This level is characterized by having not spread yet and is given what is called a Gleason score. This score is based on the pattern of the glands of the prostate in relation to the cancerous cells the prostate contains. If a man has a Gleason score from level two to level ten but the cancer is only in the prostate, the stage of prostate cancer is in stage II. This stage of prostate cancer is only for cancer that has not invaded outside the prostate.
Stage III of the stages of prostate cancer is the point at which the cancer has begun to invade outside of the prostate. The seminal vesicles may be cancerous at this stage. The Gleason score can be from level two to level ten. Another title for this stage of prostate cancer is “stage C” and is next to last in the stages of prostate cancer.
The highest of the stages of prostate cancer is stage IV. This is the point at which the cancer has progressed into other locations of the body that are not near the prostate. The cancer will have metastasized ( spread ) perhaps into the lymph nodes, bone tissue, the liver, the lungs or other places. The Gleason score for this last stage will be from two to ten. Other titles for stage IV prostate cancer is “D1″ or “D2″. A man with this level of prostate cancer will likely have it in his bone tissue.
Be sure to keep track of the signals your body is giving you and learn all you can about the stages of prostate cancer. If you continue to learn about the things that can keep you healthy you will be more prepared to face any challenges to your health in the future.