Prostrate cancer is a silent killer. The main reason behind this is that the awareness amongst men about prostrate cancer is low. In fact, men are more aware about breast cancer, a condition prominent amongst women, than about prostrate cancer. A proper understanding of the stages of prostrate cancer will greatly raise the awareness level amongst men. Here are basically five stages of prostrate cancer. Methods of detection and treatments vary according to the stages of prostrate cancer.
Stages of Prostrate Cancer
Alternative Cancer Treatments
The first stage is called the T-1. In this stage there is the presence of microscopic tumor in the prostrate itself. Prostrate cancer in the T-1 stage can only be detected through a blood test or a biopsy. Rectal exams and ultrasound will not detect the cancer at this stage.
T2 is the second stage and T2 cancers are local cancers. Tumor can be detected with the help of a digital rectal exam or an ultrasound. Tumor is confined to the prostrate area.
The third stage is called the T3 stage, a stage where the cancer has just started to spread. It would start to spread towards seminal vesicles and close by tissues.
In T4, the fourth stage of prostrate cancer, cancer would start affecting organs and tissues that are near to the prostrate. T4 cancers are usually regionally located.
In the fifth stage the cancer has spread to the whole body, namely organs, bones, or lymph nodes. It is either known as the N+ or the M+ stage. In the N+ stage the prostrate cancer is affecting the pelvic lymph nodes. In the M+ stage the cancer is affecting organs, bones, and lymph nodes that are distant from the prostrate area.
Regular Examination is Important
Very often prostrate cancer will not show sign till it has advanced to the late stages. That is why doctors recommend yearly examinations for men above 50. Yearly exams can make the difference between life and death.
Prostrate cancer treatments may vary depending on the stage of the cancer. These treatments may include surgical removal, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal manipulation, or a combination of them. It is also important to understand the genetic basis of this disease. Often understanding of your genetic characteristic can become the key to curing prostrate cancer.
Stages of Prostrate Cancer - Understanding The Disease Alternative Cancer Treatments
No comments:
Post a Comment