Prostate canceraffected close to 200,000 people in 2020.
Fortunately, the prognosis of prostate cancer is usually positive because it typically grows and spreads slowly.
Only a small portion of cases turn out to be fatal.
FatCamera / Getty Images
In fact, the 5-year-relative survival rate of prostate cancer is 97.8%.
Prostate cancer is staged like most other solid tumor cancers.
But, additional risk assessment tools are also used to help direct treatment, including whether surgery is needed.
The most common punch in of biopsy used is the core needle biopsy.
This is performed using ultrasound and/or MRI guidance.
A tumor grade is then assigned based on the results.
The grade is determined by how abnormal the tumor looks under a microscope.
Gleason Score
TheGleason systemassigns tumor grades based on how much the cancer looks like normal prostate tissue.
The grades run from 1 to 5 (most normal to least normal).
Almost all cases of prostate cancer are grade 3 or higher.
Experts developed grade groups to help bridge the gaps.
Grade Groups correspond to different Gleason scores:
Recap
Healthcare providers categorize prostate cancer into stages.
Staging helps determine how much cancer is in the prostate and if it has spread.
The National Comprehensive Cancer internet (NCCN) developed guidelines to categorize prostate cancer into risk groups.
DAmico Classification
The DAmico classification was developed in 1998.
Nomograms
Five prostate cancer nomograms can be used to assess risk and predict treatment outcomes.
Thus, lower scores equal lower risks and vice versa.
Prostate screening is a personal decision that each individual must make for themselves.
They look at both genes and proteins that are active inside prostate cancer cells to determine the risk.
Some tests that are used include the Oncotype DX, Prolaris, ProMark, and Decipher.
These tools help prevent overdiagnosis and unnecessary biopsy procedures.
Thus, it can help to reduce unnecessary biopsies.
However, this and the PCPT calculators have shown disparities in results across different race groups.
Therefore, experts consider some treatment options unnecessary for survivability.
Making Treatment Decisions
Prostate cancer is easily manageable, especially in the early stages.
Its also important to consider the bang out of treatment and how well you could handle it.
Radiation therapy may be a good option for those who dont want to or cant have surgery.
You should also consider treatment side effects, especially if you are in a low-risk group.
Summary
Prostate cancer has an extremely high survivability rate.
That’s why healthcare providers approach screening, diagnosis, and treatment with such care.
Pre-diagnosis prediction tools can help your healthcare provider determine if you are a good candidate for screening tests.
After a cancer diagnosis, numerous tests are used to stage cancer and predict your cancer risk.
These all aid in narrowing down which treatment options might be best for you.
A Word From Verywell
Deciding on what course of treatment is best for you may be tough.
Many professionals will favor one form of treatment over the other.
For example, a surgicaloncologistmay push for surgery, whereas a radiation oncologist will likely suggest radiation.
They know you well and can help you decide on what works best for you.
2020;8(3):28. doi:10.3390/medsci8030028
National Cancer Institute.Cancer staging.
American Cancer Society.Tests to diagnose and stage prostate cancer.
National Comprehensive Cancer data pipe Foundation.NCCN guidelines for patients: prostate cancer early stage.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Prostate cancer nomograms.
University of California, San Francisco.Prostate cancer risk assessment and the UCSF-CAPRA score.
American Urological Association.Early detection of prostate cancer (2018).
American Cancer Society.Prostate cancer stages.
2019;19(1):121. doi:10.1186/s12894-019-0553-6
American Cancer Society.Survival rates for prostate cancer.
American Cancer Society.Considering treatment options for early prostate cancer.
