What are the 4 stages of prostate cancer?

 


Prostate Cancer is one of the most common types of cancers that affects men over 50 years of age. It is a cancer that might develop and spread slowly, without causing any noticeable symptoms in the initial stages of its occurrence. However, developing a better understanding is extremely essential in order to ensure timely intervention and treatment, resulting in better outcomes. Just like many other forms of cancer, prostate cancer​ is also divided into four different stages, which help doctors understand and determine the extent of the spread of cancer and thus, decide upon the appropriate treatment method and approach accordingly. 



From a localized tumor in the prostate gland in the earlier stages, to the spread of cancer in different parts of the body in more advanced stages, the staging of prostate cancer allows healthcare providers and patients to make a suitable roadmap in order to manage the disease. While early-stage prostate cancer might only require active surveillance and localized treatment, more advanced stages might require chemotherapy and other forms of treatment. In this article, we will discuss in detail prostate cancer, its stages, and the type of prostate cancer treatment methods used in order to treat different stages of the disease.




What is Prostate Cancer?

Before getting started with the stages of prostate cancer, let us first try to understand what prostate cancer actually is.  Prostate cancer, as the name suggests, is a form of cancer that occurs in the prostate gland found in male bodies. It is the second most commonly found cancer in males worldwide. It develops and spreads slowly; hence, if it is detected in the earlier stages, the chances of survival and a successful treatment of the patient are very high. However, in some cases, prostate cancer can become much more aggressive and can spread to different parts of the body.  Prostate cancer occurs when the abnormal cells in the prostate gland of a man start to grow and multiply uncontrollably. As discussed above, this form of cancer develops slowly over the years; hence, it is very important to be aware of the symptoms in order to detect the condition early.





Early Warning Signs of Prostate Cancer

As stated above, there might be certain instances when prostate cancer develops slowly and might not cause any symptoms. However, when it does, these symptoms might include:


  1. Blood in the urine and semen

  2. Frequent Urination, especially at night

  3. Pain in the bones and back pain

  4. Unexplained weight loss

  5. Constant feeling of tiredness

These symptoms are not a cause to worry, but a sign to act promptly. Men over 50 years of age, experiencing these symptoms, must consult an expert urologist at the earliest in order to get proper advice and diagnosis of their condition, and start their prostate cancer treatment, if at all, it is needed.




What are the different stages of prostate cancer?

  1. Stage 1 Prostate Cancer: This is the stage in which the prostate cancer is the least developed and has not spread past the prostate gland of the patient. In this stage, active surveillance is used as a treatment option, which involves keeping the prostate cancer under strict monitoring over time, in order to check whether any further type of treatment is needed or not. Prostatectomy is another treatment option in which the prostate gland is removed surgically. Sometimes, radiation therapy might also be advised for the patient, either as a stand-alone procedure or in combination with surgery.

  2. Stage 2 Prostate Cancer: In this stage, prostate cancer​ is still confined to the prostate of the patient and has not spread to the lymph nodes. The doctor might not be able to feel the tumor during the prostate exam, but an ultrasound might reveal the presence of one. The treatment might include removal of the prostate gland and the surrounding lymph nodes, hormone therapy, radiation therapy, and even active surveillance in some cases.

  3. Stage 3 Prostate Cancer: During this stage, the cancer may or may not have spread to distant parts of the human body. The survival rates of the patients in whom the cancer has not spread to other parts of the body are very high. The prostate cancer treatment options include external beam radiation or radiation therapy, along with hormone therapy, and radical prostatectomy, with the removal of the pelvic lymph nodes of the patient. It might be followed by radiation therapy or hormonal therapy.

  4. Stage 4 Prostate Cancer: It is the most advanced stage of prostate cancer. By this stage, the cancer has typically spread to different parts of the body, and the survival rates drop. The treatment options in patients having stage 4 prostate cancer include external beam radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation targeting bones in cases where cancer has spread to the bones, and prostate removal surgery.



If you are looking for the best doctor for prostate cancer or the best hospital for prostate cancer​ in Mohali, Sohana Hospital Mohali might just be the right option for you. Sohana Hospital is home to the World’s Most Advanced Technology and North India’s most trusted and experienced Cancer specialists who provide the most comprehensive and holistic treatment for all kinds of cancers with the most patient-friendly approach. With your determination and our expertise, cancer can be conquered!

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