Stage II Prostate Cancer
At Stage II, 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, and it may show up on imaging tests like an ultrasound.
The PSA level is typically below 20 ng/mL, and 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. The tumor was likely discovered incidentally during a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or through a needle biopsy prompted by an elevated PSA level, classifying it as cT1.
The cancer is Grade Group 1, with a Gleason score of 6 or less, indicating a low-grade, slow-growing tumor. The PSA level is elevated, falling 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 classified as Grade Group 1, with a Gleason score of 6 or lower, and a PSA level between 10 and 20 ng/mL.
The tumor may be detected during a digital rectal exam or visualized using imaging tools, such as a transrectal ultrasound. It is limited to one half or less of one side of the prostate, which is categorized as cT2a. Alternatively, if the prostate has been surgically removed, and the tumor was found to be completely contained within the gland, it is classified as pT2.
There is no evidence of cancer spread to nearby lymph nodes (N0) or to other parts of the body (M0), indicating that the disease is still localized and typically associated with a favorable outcome.
Prostate Cancer: cT2b or cT2c, N0, M0 Classification
At this stage, the tumor is detectable during a digital rectal exam or visible on imaging, such as a transrectal ultrasound. The cancer has progressed to involve more than half of one side of the prostate (cT2b) or is present in both sides of the prostate (cT2c).
It is still considered Grade Group 1, with a Gleason score of 6 or lower, indicating that it remains a low-grade tumor. The PSA level is below 20 ng/mL, which supports its classification as a lower-risk prostate cancer.
Importantly, the cancer has not spread to nearby lymph nodes (N0) or to any other part of the body (M0), meaning it remains localized within the prostate and generally has a favorable prognosis when appropriately managed.
II B
II C
Prostate Cancer: T1 or T2, N0, M0 with Grade Group 2
At this stage, the prostate cancer is still contained within the prostate gland and has not spread to nearby lymph nodes (N0) or to other areas of the body (M0). The tumor may or may not be detectable through a digital rectal exam or imaging, such as transrectal ultrasound, placing it in the T1 or T2 category.
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 more active than lower-grade tumors, prostate cancer at this stage is typically localized and treatable, with a range of effective treatment options available depending on individual risk factors and health status.
Prostate Cancer: T1 or T2, N0, M0 with Grade Group 3 or 4
In this stage, the prostate cancer is still 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.
Despite being more aggressive, the cancer is still contained within the prostate and can often be managed effectively with timely and appropriate treatment.