Prostate tumor stages refer to the degree to which the tumor has involved the prostate gland or has spread.
T1: Clinically inapparent tumor not palpable nor visible by imaging
T1a: Tumor incidental histologic finding in 5% or less of tissue resected
T1b: Tumor incidental histologic finding in more than 5% of tissue resected
T1c: Tumor identified by needle biopsy (e.g., because of elevated PSA)
T2: Tumor confined within prostate*
T2a: Tumor involves 50% or less of one lobe
T2b: Tumor involves more than 50% of one lobe but not both lobes
T2c: Tumor involves both lobes
T3: Tumor extends through the prostate capsule**
T3a: Extracapsular extension (unilateral or bilateral)
T3b: Tumor invades seminal vesicle(s)
T4: Tumor is fixed or invades adjacent structures other than seminal vesicles: bladder neck, external sphincter, rectum, levator muscles, and/or pelvic wall
SOURCE
American Cancer Society. (2007). Cancer reference information. Detailed guide: Prostate cancer. How Is Prostate Cancer Staged? Retrieved November 2, 2007 from http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_3X_How_is_prostate_cancer_staged_36.asp?rnav=cri.
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