Prostate Cancer Staging And Diagnosis

By Olive Pate


Cancer is a major health problem today. Prostate cancer staging is a procedure mostly performed by doctors who wish to depict the location of the tumor and level of proliferation. It also determines the probability of the tumor infecting other body organs and if its curable using normal procedures.

The cancer staging process involves the physicians using diagnostic tests to tell the tumor's stage. The staging process takes a long time as the patient has to complete all the tests. The doctors have the mandate to look at the test results and interpret them this helps them find out how far has the tumor spread and the areas it has affected. By knowing the stage of the tumor the doctor is able to determine the most favorable form of treatment and help foretell if there's any chance of recovery.

There are various stages in the the spreading of this form of cancer. In the first stage the tumor is found in the prostate gland only. It cannot be sensed in the process of any screening tests. A first stage cancer is usually made up of cells that look more like healthy cells and is likely to grow slowly and is unlikely to be detected or felt by means of an examining finger.

The second stage which is mostly described by a tumor that is too small to be felt or seen on any tests. It is explained as a slightly larger lump that can be felt around the gland by an examining eye. The cancerous growth has not yet spread past the gland, but the cells are usually abnormal and happens to grow a lot more faster.

On the third stage the cancerous cells start circulating to other organs both around and past the gland. This adversely affects the seminal vesicles in some cases. This stage is critical as it affects the pro static capsule which causes the lump to be felt on the glands surface.

On the last stage which risks any chances of survival of the patient, involves the tumor spreading to all the other parts of the body regardless of the location. It attacks organs and causes a breakdown to these organs such as the liver, lungs and bladder.

During the recovery process there are two types of medical stages of the cancer recovery procedure. The clinical stage which is based on the previous test results. Some of the tests include X-rays, bone scans and also MRI scans. Even though, they may not always be necessary. They come recommended depending on the size of the cancerous growth and the stage of the tumor.

The pathologic stage on the basis of provided information during the surgery which mostly involves the removal of the prostate and some lymph nodes or test results of the already removed prostate.

Recurrent cancerous growth may take place in some cases. This is tumor that has reoccurred after the treatment is over. It may happen to come back again in the prostate area or in other parts of the body. The cancerous growth may need to be staged again in case this happens. Being aware of the stage of disease can help determine how aggressively the disease needs to be treated and the chances of its eradication by the available treatment options.




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