Overview
Regional prostate cancer is cancer that begins in the prostate and spreads to nearby lymph nodes or to other areas of the body.
Understanding your regional 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 regional prostate cancer.
- Regional Prostate Cancer
- Gleason Score & PSA Explained
Overview
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A Regional Prostate Cancer diagnosis, also known as Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer or Stage 4A Prostate Cancer, means that the tumor has spread to the closest lymph nodes in your pelvis shown at the top of the image in green. It has not spread to any other organs 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.
At Stage 4A, your PSA can be found at any level and your Gleason Score can range from 2-10, Grade Group 1-5.
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.
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Gleason Score & PSA Density
A Prostate Cancer diagnosis is based upon the results of staging and two tests called the Gleason Score and the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests
Finding Your Gleason Score
Samples of your cancer cells are examined to find out your Gleason Score. A Gleason Score, which will range between 2 and 10, describes how aggressive a prostate tumor is by looking at how similar or different the cancer cells look to healthy cells.
The Gleason Score 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.
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) tests
Your Dr. also measures PSA Density to help determine the aggressiveness of the prostate cancer found. PSA Density is your PSA level, divided by the volume of the prostate gland.
A high PSA density is often a predictor of Prostate Cancer but please discuss your specific situation with your doctors.
Replay this Audio as often as needed and then take a look at our Commonly Searched Questions below.
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Commonly Searched Questions
Regional Prostate Cancer Prevention
Specific prevention strategies for Regional Prostate Cancer, where the cancer has spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes, are not detailed. However, general recommendations to help reduce the risk of prostate cancer include:
• Healthy Diet: Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and limit high-fat foods, especially from animal sources.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Achieve and maintain a healthy weight through regular physical activity and a balanced diet.
• Avoid Smoking: Do not smoke and avoid exposure to tobacco smoke.
• Limit Alcohol Intake: Consume alcohol in moderation or avoid it altogether.
• Regular Check-ups: Discuss with your doctor about regular screenings and tests if you are at higher risk, such as having a family history of prostate cancer.
These steps are aimed at reducing the overall risk of prostate cancer and promoting general health. For personalized recommendations, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider.
Source: Urologyhealth.org
Regional Prostate Cancer Definition
Regional prostate cancer is defined as cancer that has extended beyond the prostate gland but remains within the nearby tissues and regional lymph nodes. This stage of cancer typically involves the spread to adjacent structures such as the seminal vesicles or, less commonly, the bladder or rectum. Additionally, regional prostate cancer may also affect the nearby lymph nodes, which are small, bean-shaped glands that help filter lymphatic fluid and are crucial for immune function. Despite this local spread, regional prostate cancer has not yet metastasized to distant organs or body parts.
Source: Cancer.org
Regional Prostate Cancer Recurrence Rate
The recurrence rate for regional prostate cancer varies based on several factors, including the initial stage of cancer, the treatment received, and individual patient characteristics. Generally, the recurrence rate for regional prostate cancer is around 20-30% within 5 years after treatment. However, this rate can differ depending on the specifics of the case and advancements in treatment options.
Source: Cancer.org
Regional Prostate Cancer Survival Rate
According to SEER data, Regional Prostate Cancer has a survival rate of 99%. For example, if the 5-year relative survival rate for the regional 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
Regional Prostate Cancer Treatment
Locally advanced prostate cancer has spread outside the prostate gland to areas such as the seminal vesicles. There is no one “best” treatment for locally advanced prostate cancer. Treatment often includes a combination of two approaches:
- Radiation therapy (RT) with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT)
- Radical prostatectomy
Source: Uptodate.com
Regional Prostate Cancer Symptoms
Possible symptoms of regional prostate cancer can include:
- burning or pain when urinating
- trouble starting or ending urination
- weak leak
- urge to pee during the night
- frequent urination
Source: Urologyhealth.org
