Why is it important to know the grade and stage of prostate cancer?

 

The grade and staging of prostate cancer helps the doctor and patient determine which treatment will work best for the individual.  Complete staging may only be possible after surgery or additional tests and it may be necessary to remove some lymph nodes near the cancer to get an accurate picture.

 

The presence of cancer beyond the prostate has a major impact on treatment.  For patients at risk for spread, further staging tests should be undertaken before a treatment decision is made.  These tests may include a bone scan, CT scan or chest x-ray.