NEWLY DIAGNOSED PROSTATE CANCER GUIDE
Grade Group The Gleason score can be misleading for some prostate cancer patients. The Grade Groups may replace the Gleason score over time but, for now, you might see one or both on a pathology report.
RISK GROUP GRADE GROUP GLEASON SCORE
DESCRIPTION
Gleason X
Gleason score cannot be determined
The tumor tissue is well differentiated, less aggressive and likely to grow more slowly The tumor tissue is moderately differentiated, moderately aggressive and likely to grow but may not spread quickly The tumor tissue is poorly differentiated or undifferentiated, highly aggressive and likely to grow faster and spread
Low/Very Low Grade Group 1 Gleason 6 (or less)
Intermediate (Favorable or Unfavorable)
Grade Group 2 Grade Group 3
Gleason 3 + 4 = 7 Gleason 4 + 3 = 7
Grade Group 4 Grade Group 5
Gleason 8 Gleason 9–10
High/Very High
Tumor Categories The standardized Tumor, Node, and Metastasis (TNM) system is used to stage prostate cancer. The T category is based on the extent of the tumor itself. The N category is based on whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. The M category is based on whether the cancer has spread beyond nearby lymph nodes. T1: The tumor cannot be felt with a DRE or seen with imaging. T1a: T he tumor is found accidentally during a surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia or another prostate condition. The tumor takes up less than 5% of the removed tissue. T1b: T he tumor is found accidentally during a surgery, and the tumor takes up more than 5% of the removed tissue. T1c: The tumor is diagnosed with a needle biopsy, usually because of an elevated PSA. T2: The tumor is confined to the prostate and can be either felt with a DRE or seen with imaging. T2a : The tumor is confined to half of one lobe of the prostate. T2b: The tumor is present in more than half of one lobe, but is not in both lobes. T2c: The tumor is present in both lobes of the prostate. T3: The tumor has grown outside of the prostate and may be present in the seminal vesicles. T3a: The tumor is outside of the prostate, but is not in the seminal vesicles. T3b: The tumor is outside of the prostate and has spread to the seminal vesicles. T4: The tumor has grown into tissues beyond the seminal vesicles. For more on TNM staging, please visit zerocancer.org/stages-and-grading .
A PATIENT EDUCATION SERIES |
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