HOW ARE PROSTATE CANCER TUMORS STAGED AND GRADED?
Researchers are continually searching for methods to determine how aggressive individual prostate cancers are so they can choose the best treatments. As an aid, experts have devised different classification systems that help assess the properties of the cancer. These systems include staging and grading the tumors and measuring PSA levels. In general, the higher the stage, grade, and PSA numbers, the more severe the condition and the more aggressive the treatment. Current classifications systems have significant limitations in guiding treatment choices. Newer tests, markers, and imaging techniques may eventually improve the accuracy of staging categories. Staging Systems A tumor’s stage is an indication of how far it has spread from its original site. Cancers are staged according to whether they are still localized (remain surrounded by healthy cells) or have spread beyond the original site. Two prostate cancer staging systems are commonly used: the TNM system and the Jewett system. To
