Stage II Prostate Cancer
At Stage II of Prostate Cancer, the cancer remains contained within the prostate and has not spread to the lymph nodes or distant areas of the body. Depending on its size and location, a doctor might or might not detect the tumor during a prostate exam. It may also show up on imaging tests like an ultrasound.
The PSA level is typically below 20 ng/mL. The prognosis remains very favorable, with a survival rate close to 100% when treated appropriately.
Stage II A
Prostate Cancer: cT1, N0, M0 Classification
In this stage, the prostate cancer is not detectable through a digital rectal exam or imaging tests like transrectal ultrasound. Doctors likely discovered the tumor incidentally during a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or through a needle biopsy prompted by an elevated PSA level. They classify it as clinical stage T1 (cT1).
The cancer is Grade Group 1, with a Gleason score of 6 or less, indicating a low-grade, slow-growing tumor. Doctors measure an elevated PSA level, which falls between 10 and 20 ng/mL.
There is no evidence of cancer spreading to nearby lymph nodes (N0) or to distant parts of the body (M0), meaning the disease remains localized and treatable.
Prostate Cancer: cT2a or pT2, N0, M0 Classification
This stage of prostate cancer is Grade Group 1, with a Gleason score of 6 or lower. The PSA level ranges between 10 and 20 ng/mL.
Doctors may detect the tumor during a digital rectal exam or see it on imaging like a transrectal ultrasound. The tumor stays limited to one half or less of one side of the prostate, classified as cT2a. Alternatively, if the prostate is removed surgically, and the tumor remains fully inside, doctors classify it as pT2.
Cancer has not spread to nearby lymph nodes (N0) or other parts of the body (M0). This means the disease stays localized and usually has a favorable outcome.
Prostate Cancer: cT2b or cT2c, N0, M0 Classification
At this stage, doctors can detect the tumor during a digital rectal exam or see it on imaging, such as a transrectal ultrasound. The cancer has progressed to involve more than half of one side of the prostate (cT2b) or has reached both sides of the prostate (cT2c).
Doctors still classify it as Grade Group 1, with a Gleason score of 6 or lower, indicating it remains a low-grade tumor. The PSA level stays below 20 ng/mL, which supports its classification as lower-risk prostate cancer.
Importantly, the cancer has not spread to nearby lymph nodes (N0) or to other parts of the body (M0). It remains localized within the prostate and usually has a favorable prognosis when doctors manage it appropriately.
II B
II C
Prostate Cancer: T1 or T2, N0, M0 with Grade Group 2
At this stage, doctors confirm the prostate cancer remains contained within the prostate gland. It has not spread to nearby lymph nodes (N0) or to other areas of the body (M0). Doctors may or may not detect the tumor through a digital rectal exam or imaging, such as a transrectal ultrasound. They classify it as either T1 or T2, depending on tumor visibility and size.
This cancer is classified as Grade Group 2, with a Gleason score of 3+4=7, indicating a slightly more aggressive tumor than Grade Group 1, but still considered intermediate-risk. The PSA level remains under 20 ng/mL.
Although this tumor is more active than lower-grade cancers, it typically stays localized. Doctors can treat it effectively using various options based on individual risk factors and overall health.
Prostate Cancer: T1 or T2, N0, M0 with Grade Group 3 or 4
At this stage, doctors confirm the prostate cancer remains localized within the prostate and has not spread to the lymph nodes (N0) or other parts of the body (M0). The tumor may or may not be detectable during a digital rectal exam or visible on imaging such as transrectal ultrasound, placing it in the T1 or T2 category.
The cancer is classified as Grade Group 3 or 4, which corresponds to a Gleason score of 4+3=7 or 8. This indicates a moderate to high-grade tumor, suggesting a more aggressive form of the disease compared to lower grade groups. The PSA level remains below 20 ng/mL.
Although the cancer is more aggressive, it remains contained within the prostate. Doctors can often manage it effectively with timely and appropriate treatment.