Prostate cancer is like any other form of cancer in that it will progress if left unchecked. While my goal is to catch it before any serious damage is done, the differences between the stages of prostate cancer are still worth knowing. There are four known stages, and in this article I will discuss the various differences between each.
Stage I
At its earliest phase, prostate cancer is actually quite
difficult to detect. This is due primarily to it being microscopic in size, and
unable to be felt during a digital rectal exam or imaging. In this stage, a
needle biopsy can discover the existence of the cancerous cells, but they will
only be found within the prostate, as they have not had the chance to move
beyond.
Stage II
Unlike the previous stage, this one can be discovered more
easily as tumors are often formed in the prostate. The cancer is still found
only within the prostate, but the growth will have gotten larger. While there
are two different versions of stage II prostate cancer, this is still a good
stage for early treatment.
Stage III
Prostate cancer that advances to stage III is noted because
it's the point at which the cancerous cells have moved outside of the prostate
gland. Surrounding lymph nodes and other parts will likely not have been
affected, but it might have spread to the seminal vesicles. Treatment in stage
III is more difficult because of how much the cancer might have spread. It's
not uncommon for some cancerous cells to remain after treatment, but if caught
early enough this can be avoided.
Stage IV
Lastly, there is stage IV. At this point the cancerous cells
will have advanced beyond the prostate and into the bladder, rectum, lymph nodes,
or other organs. While prostate cancer that has advanced to this point is very
hard to remove completely, there are plenty of treatments that are available
that can help to prolong life and reduce symptoms.
I hope that by reading about these various stages, you've
seen the importance of having your prostate checked at regular periods. The
earlier that prostate cancer is discovered, the earlier that it can be treated,
and therefore more easily removed. There are instances of recurring cancer, but
using certain procedures, there is less of a chance of this.
