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If tests indicate the presence of prostate cancer, the doctor needs more
information to determine how much of the gland is affected, whether it has
spread to nearby tissues or if it has metastasized to other parts of the body.
Various diagnostic tests indicate the disease stage, a crucial factor in
choosing treatment options.
There are two commonly used staging systems. The TNM (Tumor, Nodes, Metastasis)
Staging System classifies tumors based on size, extent of spread to the lymph
nodes and extent of spread to other parts of the body. The second uses Stage I
through IV or A through D to classify tumors. These two systems are often
combined.
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Stage I (A) The cancer cannot be detected by rectal exam alone and causes no
symptoms. |
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Stage II (B) The tumor is felt in a rectal exam or detected by a blood test,
but there is no evidence it has spread outside the prostate. |
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Stage III (C) The cancer has spread outside the prostate to nearby tissues. |
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Stage IV (D) Cancer cells have spread to lymph nodes or to other parts of the
body. |
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