Prostate Cancer Stages

A diagnosis of prostate cancer is a significant life event, causing stress over next steps. It is important to understand the stages of prostate cancer, so that you are familiar with what stage you are at and understand treatment options available to you.

Like other cancers, the sooner you catch it, the better the chances you have of successfully treating and recovering from the cancer. There are four stages of prostate cancer, named numerically from I-IV.

Stage I

In the first stage of prostate cancer, the cancer is only found in the prostate. It cannot be identified on a digital rectal exam or imaging of the prostate due to its microscopic nature. Stage I prostate cancer is identified through a needle biopsy, which is only done for people when high PSA levels are found. Any cancer diagnosed during this stage is extremely curable and relatively low-risk. The PSA levels will be less than 10 and a Gleason score below 6. Young and healthy men may choose to get check-ups and keep an eye on the cancer rather than getting immediate treatment.

Stage II

Stage II prostate cancer is more advanced than the first stage. In this stage, the tumor has grown within the prostate, but still has not spread past the prostate. The cancer can be identified through the same method as stage I, and is accompanied by higher PSA and Gleason scores. Prostate cancer in this stage should be treated with surgery or radiation to prevent it from spreading further and causing symptoms.

Stage III

Stage III cancer is identified by the spread of the cancer outside of the prostate, without reaching the bladder or rectum.  Nearby tissues such as the seminal vesicles are most likely affected by the cancer at this stage. Stage III prostate cancer is more difficult to treat, and is accompanied by higher rates of cancer recurrence.

Stage IV

At the most advanced stage of prostate cancer, the cancer has now spread beyond seminal vesicles to nearby organs and tissues. This may include the rectum, bladder, pelvic wall, nearby lymph nodes, and even the bone.