Overview
Stage 1 Prostate Cancer is a cancer type that forms in the tissue of the prostate gland, the male reproductive organ. The prostate is found below the bladder and in front of the rectum.
Understanding your Stage 1 Prostate Cancer diagnosis will help you partner with your doctors to make the best treatment choice for you. Tap “Watch Now” for an easy-to-understand overview of Stage 1 Prostate Cancer.
- Stage 1 Prostate Cancer
- Gleason Score & PSA Test Explained
Overview
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A Stage 1 Prostate Cancer diagnosis means that the tumor has spread to only one half of one side of the prostate gland or less, as shown in yellow on the bottom image. It has not spread to nearby lymph nodes or any other organ in your body.
What Tests Will I Need and Why?
Blood and Imaging tests are done to understand your general health, confirm your diagnosis and determine your cancer stage.
Tissue analysis is done to identify the cancer cell type and the Gleason Score, which is critical to finding the best treatment option for you.
A Stage 1 diagnosis means that tissue analysis resulted in a Gleason Score of 6 or less on a scale of 1 to 10.
In addition to a Gleason Score, your doctors will analyze the tissue for your Prostate–Specific Antigen density also referred to as PSA density. A high PSA density predicts if your PSA elevation is due to cancer or other prostate problems. In Stage 1, your PSA level has been found to be less than 10.
You may also require special Saliva or Blood Analysis to look for specific mutations (actual changes in your body’s DNA), called BRCA1 and BRCA2.
Re-read this summary as needed and then tap, “Compare My Treatment Options Now“. Our unique Comparison Page will help you understand your FDA-approved treatment options including, who can help you pay for your treatment, where and how each is given and what side-effects you may experience.
Cancer Research U.K. CC BY-SA 4
Gleason Score & PSA Density Explained
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A Prostate Cancer diagnosis is based upon the results of staging and two tests requested by your Dr., the Gleason Score and the prostate-specific antigen (PSA).
Gleason Score
Tissue samples removed during a biopsy are used to find out your Gleason Score, a test that describes how aggressive a prostate tumor is. A Gleason Score will range between 2 and 10.
It is made up of 2 grades that range from 1 to 5. A low grade of 1 means that the cells in the tumor look very much like healthy prostate cells. Cells that look completely different to normal cells are assigned a higher score, usually 4 or 5.
- The first grade is given to describe the cells in the largest area of the tumor
- The second grade is given to describe the cells in the second largest area of the tumor.
When these two grades are added together, they give us a Gleason Score between 2 and 10. For example, 3+4 = Gleason Score 7.
PSA Density
Your Dr. also measures PSA Density to help determine the aggressiveness of the prostate cancer. PSA Density is the PSA level, divided by the volume of the prostate gland as measured by ultrasound or MRI.
A high PSA density predicts whether a PSA elevation is due to cancer or other prostate problems.
Cancer Research U.K. CC BY-SA 4
Recommended Prostate Cancer Videos
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Understanding Localized Prostate Cancer
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A Diagnosis and Treatment: Localized Prostate Cancer
A Conversation with Dr. John Lynch
Exercise & Prostate Cancer
From Your Friends @ the Oncology Nursing Society
How Cancer Spreads
Metastatic = Advanced
Commonly Searched Questions
What is the Survival Rate for Localized Prostate Cancer?
According to SEER data, Localized Prostate Cancer has a survival rate of 99%. For example, if the 5-year relative survival rate for the localized prostate cancer is 99%, it means that patients who have that cancer are, on average, about 99% as likely as patients who don’t have that cancer to live for at least 5 years after being diagnosed.
Source: Cancer.gov
What are the Treatment Options for Localized Prostate Cancer?
There are many treatments for localized prostate cancer. The type of treatment depends on many things. These may include your risk level, your age, and any other health problems. It is important to take time to learn about your cancer, your options for treatment, and possible side effects. Most men diagnosed with localized prostate cancer do not die from the disease.
Treatments for localized prostate cancer include:
- Watchful waiting
- Active surveillance
- Surgery to remove the prostate gland
- Radiation therapy
- Hormone therapy
Source: Effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov
What is the definition of Localized Prostate Cancer?
Localized Prostate Cancer means that the cancer is located only in the prostate, it has not spread to any surrounding tissues, lymph nodes or distant organs.
Source: Cancer.ca
What are the Localized Prostate Cancer Symptoms?
Most men with localized prostate cancer have few or no symptoms. Possible symptoms can include:
- Problems when you urinate (such as pain or burning, difficulty starting or stopping, or a weak flow)
- Pain in your lower back
- Pain when you ejaculate
- Blood in your urine
Source: Effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov
What are the risk factors for Localized Prostate Cancer?
The exact causes of prostate cancer aren’t known. Certain factors can increase the risk of prostate cancer somewhat. The main ones include:
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Age: The risk of prostate cancer increases with age. This is the biggest risk factor.
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Close relatives: Men who have a father or brother who developed prostate cancer are at a somewhat higher risk themselves. If several close relatives have (had) prostate cancer, your risk is even higher.
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Ethnicity : Black men are somewhat more likely to develop prostate cancer.
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Vitamin E: Dietary supplements that have a lot of vitamin E in them have been proven to increase the risk of prostate cancer if taken over many years.
Source: PubMed.gov
