Treatment by Stage Information

Treatment of cancer of the prostate depends on the stage of the disease, and the patient's age and overall health. A doctor may choose to follow the patient's condition more closely rather than starting treatment immediately. This decision depends on whether the patient has symptoms of the disease, is elderly, has another more serious illness, or has only slightly abnormal tumor cells.

Standard treatment may be considered because of its effectiveness in patients in past studies, or participation in a clinical trial may be considered. Not all patients are cured with standard therapy and some standard treatments may have more side effects than are desired. For these reasons, clinical trials are designed to find better ways to treat cancer patients and are based on the most up-to-date information. Clinical trials are ongoing in most parts of the country for most stages of cancer of the prostate.

Stage I (A) Prostate Cancer: The cancer cannot be felt during a rectal exam. It may be found by accident when surgery is done for another reason, usually for BPH. There is no evidence that the cancer has spread outside the prostate.

Stage II (B) Prostate Cancer: The tumor involves more tissue within the prostate, it can be felt during a rectal exam, or it is found with a biopsy that is done because of a high PSA level. There is no evidence that the cancer has spread outside the prostate.

Stage III (C) Prostate Cancer: The cancer has spread outside the prostate to nearby tissues.

Stage IV (D) Prostate Cancer The cancer has spread to lymph nodes or to other parts of the body.