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Prostate Cancer Grading & Staging
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If cancerous cells are found, the pathologist will use a grading system (called Gleason grading) to help describe how aggressive the cancer is. The pathologist will evaluate the two largest areas of cancer and will give each section a grade from 1 (least aggressive) to 5 (most aggressive). When these two numbers are added together, it represents the total Gleason score of the cancer. A higher score signifies a more aggressive cancer.
Staging of Prostate Cancer
Our physicians will use clinical information such as:
the findings noted on the rectal examination,
the gleason grade of the cancer,
how much tumor is present in the biopsy specimen,
how many different areas of the prostate had detectable cancer cells
the PSA value, and
the size of the prostate
to determine how much cancer is the present, how fast the cancer is growing, and to determine if the cancer is still localized to the prosate (early stage) or if it has spread beyond the prostate (late stage).
Tests used for Staging Prostate Cancer
Sometimes the physician will order additional diagnostic exams to help determine if the prostate cancer is limited to the prostate or if it has spread. These tests may include a bone scan, CT scan, MRI, and/ or lymph node biopsy. These tests are usually performed when there is a suspicion of aggressive or advanced disease (for example PSA > 10 or bone pain).
General Information
Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer
Prostate Cancer Screening & Prostate Biopsy
Treatment Options for Early Stage Prostate Cancer
Treatment Options for Advanced Stage Prostate Cancer
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