Stage III Prostate Cancer
At Stage III, prostate cancer may have started to extend beyond the prostate into nearby tissues, but not to distant areas of the body. When the cancer remains localized or only locally advanced, the survival rate remains high—close to 100%.
Stage III
III A
B III
III C
Prostate Cancer: T1 or T2, N0, M0 with Grade Group 1 to 4
In Stage III, cancer stays within the prostate without spreading to lymph nodes (N0) or distant sites (M0), and doctors may detect it through a digital rectal exam or imaging like a transrectal ultrasound, classifying it as T1 or T2.
The cancer can be classified as Grade Group 1 to 4, with a Gleason score of 8 or less, indicating varying degrees of tumor aggression. The PSA level is at least 20 ng/mL, signaling a higher level of prostate-specific antigen than earlier stages.
Although the cancer remains localized, the higher PSA and grade group suggest a need for more intensive treatment, but the disease has not yet spread to distant organs.
Prostate Cancer: T3 or T4, N0, M0 with Grade Group 1 to 4
In Stage III, the cancer has spread beyond the prostate and may have invaded nearby structures. It could have reached the seminal vesicles (T3) or extended into surrounding tissues like the urethral sphincter, rectum, bladder, or pelvic wall (T4). However, the cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes (N0) or distant parts of the body (M0).
The cancer is classified as Grade Group 1 to 4, with a Gleason score of 8 or less, reflecting varying degrees of tumor aggressiveness. The PSA level can be any value, and the cancer’s extent of spread into surrounding tissues often dictates the treatment approach.
Prostate Cancer: Any T, N0, M0 with Grade Group 5
In Stage III, the cancer may still be confined to the prostate or may have begun growing into nearby tissues. It is classified broadly as any T stage. There is no evidence of spread to lymph nodes (N0) or distant parts of the body (M0). The tumor is Grade Group 5, corresponding to a Gleason score of 9 or 10, indicating aggressive cancer. PSA levels can vary and are not limited to a specific range. Because of the high grade, even without spread, this cancer is considered high-risk and requires prompt, intensive treatment.
In Stage III, cancer may remain in the prostate or start invading nearby tissues (any T stage).
There is no evidence of spread to nearby lymph nodes (N0) or to distant parts of the body (M0).
The tumor is Grade Group 5 (Gleason 9 or 10), indicating aggressive cancer. PSA levels can vary and also do not stay within a specific range.
Due to its high grade, doctors classify this prostate cancer as high-risk and recommend prompt, intensive treatment.