Doctors often use two classification systems, called the TMN classification system or the Gleason system to characterize the tumor type. TMN classification To classify a tumor, doctors most often use a method called the TMN system, which is based on the tumor size (T), whether it has spread to lymph nodes (N), and if it has metastasized (traveled) to distant regions or organs of the body (M). Doctors additionally assign each letter (T, N, and M) a number, which measures how much the cancer has advanced. Larger numbers correspond to more advanced cancers. Doctors then use the TMN system to group multiple tumor types into a single staging group which allows them to provide appropriate treatment based on the severity of the cancer. T1 cancer is not large enough to be felt by a doctor, but it can be seen with certain visualization procedures. T2 cancer is large enough to felt by the doctor performing a rectal exam, but upon examination, the tumor remains confined to the prostate. T3 cancer is large and has spread outside of the prostate. T4 cancer has spread to distant tissues far away from the prostate. N classifications N0: The cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes.

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men and typically develops in those aged >65 yrs. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2016 over 180,000 new prostate cancer cases and 26,000 deaths will occur. Worldwide prostate cancer is more commonly found in developed countries. In the United States for example one in every seven men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer . Nearly 60% of these cases occur in men 65 or older and one in 39 men will die of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is rarely diagnosed in men younger than 40. Recommended Read: How to Keep your Prostate Healthy Despite these statistics, the survival rate for prostate cancer is fairly high. For all stages of prostate cancer, the 5-year relative survival rate is nearly 100%, while the 15-year relative survival rate is 95%. Although an individual’s chance of survival depends on their individual circumstances it is highly likely a man with prostate cancer will survive at least 5 years.

Most early stage prostate cancer causes no symptoms. Often symptoms appear only after the cancer has advanced to more severe stages or grades. When this occurs, the most common symptom includes problems with urination such as burning, weak stream, or frequent urination. Other symptoms include blood in semen or urine, erectile dysfunction, pain in the hips, back, chest, or other bones, and numbness in the legs or feet. Occasionally, people with advanced prostate cancer can lose control of their bladder or bowels. It is important to keep in mind that these symptoms can be caused by other, more common diseases, and therefore anyone experiencing these symptoms should immediately consult a medical professional to identify the cause.

Once prostate cancer is suspected the medical provider will perform several different tests and procedures to confirm or rule out the diagnosis. Blood Tests The most common blood test performed to diagnose prostate cancer is the prostate-specific antigen (PSA). The PSA measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen present in the blood. Men without prostate cancer often have PSA levels under 4 nanograms per millimeter of blood. If a man’s PSA level is between 4 and 10, then there will be a 25% of chance of having prostate cancer and if the PSA level increases to more than 10 then the chance of having prostate cancer rises to 50%. Although this is a fairly accurate method of predicting whether a man has prostate cancer, it is not foolproof. Nearly 15% of men with PSA levels below 4 will have prostate cancer. Therefore, doctors must use the PSA blood test in conjunction with other tests to confirm a prostate cancer diagnosis. Biopsy A biopsy is performed on the suspected tumor to detect or rule out cancer. The doctor uses a special tool to take a small sample of the prostate, tumor, or surrounding areas like lymph nodes and examine it under a microscope. Often multiple biopsies from the same tissue will be taken to ensure that the cancer is not missed.

Prostate cancer is associated with a number of risk factors which make a man more likely to develop a disease. Demographic Characteristics Age: Prostate cancer occurs most often in men over the age of 65 and very rarely in men younger than 40. Therefore the risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age. Race/Ethnicity: African American and Caribbean men with African ancestry are more likely to develop prostate cancer than other races and ethnicity. African ancestry doubles the risk of dying from prostate cancer. Other ethnic and racial groups develop prostate cancer less often. Geography: Prostate cancer is more common in developed countries found in North America, Northwestern Europe, Australia, and the Caribbean islands. Generally, populations in Asia, Africa, Central and South America are less likely to develop prostate cancer. Recommended Read: Overview of Prostate Cancer Genetic Characteristics Family History:  Most prostate cancer occurs in cases with no family history. However, having a brother with prostate cancer doubles a man’s risk of developing the disease. Men that have multiple family members with prostate cancer have an extremely high risk of developing prostate cancer. Specific Genes: Scientists believe that there are certain genes which may account for a tiny increase in the risk of developing prostate cancer.