The prostate gland makes up part of the male reproductive system. Located near the colon, the prostate gland releases hormones that contribute to a normal hormone balance, and secretes prostate fluid that forms a component of semen. Prostate cancer occurs when normal cells within the prostate develop genetic mutations that allow the cells to proliferate indefinitely and evade cellular death. Once diagnosed, prostate cancer is categorized into a range of stages, according to the severity and invasiveness of the cancer.
Stage IIB
Stage IIIB prostate cancer is a relatively advanced form of prostate cancer. Patients with stage IIB prostate cancer typically have large prostate tumor growth, with an enlargement of the prostate detectable during a digital rectal examination. Stage IIB prostate cancer cells typically grow on both sides of the prostate gland, though the cells have not yet begun to grow into neighboring tissues and structures. At this stage of prostate cancer, patients generally display an increased level of prostate specific antigen, or PSA, in the blood, according to the American Cancer Society. As a result, PSA blood testing can help in the diagnosis of stage IIB prostate cancer.
Stage III
Stage IIIC prostate cancer describes a more invasive form of cancer. In addition to extensive tumor growth on the prostate, the cancer cells have begun to grow towards neighboring tissues. Stage III prostate cancer cells secrete proteins that digest factors surrounding the prostate, and the cells begin to migrate into neighboring tissue. The American Cancer Society indicates that stage III prostate cancer may have spread to the seminal vesicles, a set of glandular tissues located near the bladder. At this stage of cancer development, prostate cancer patients may have abnormal ejaculate associated with blockage of the seminal vesicles by cancer cells. If left untreated or undetected, stage III prostate cancer will develop into a more aggressive form of cancer.
Stage IV
Stage IV prostate cancer is a metastatic form of cancer. In this stage of prostate cancer, the cancer cells have gained the ability to migrate to distant tissues throughout the body. Patients with stage IV prostate cancer display cancer cell colonization in the lymph nodes, small structures that make up a part of the immune system. Prostate cancer cells can migrate through the lymph vessels or bloodstream and form cancerous tumors in several sites throughout the body. The Prostate Cancer Treatment Guide indicates that stage IV prostate cancer typically migrates to the bone tissue. Patients with bone metastases may experience joint pain and bone injury due to cancer development. Cancer surgery to remove clusters of tumors of bone tissue can help alleviate the pain associated with prostate cancer development and help increase the patient's quality of life.
