The TNM system is used to stage prostate cancer, and it helps doctors understand what your cancer looks like. The TNM stands for:
- Tumour – The degree to which the tumour has affected other tissue
- Node – Is a measure of whether lymph nodes have been affected
- Metastasis – The degree to which the cancer has spread to other organs of the body
Along with the TNM information, your doctor will also take into consideration your PSA (prostate specific antigen) level from a blood test, as well as your Gleason score to help determine the stage of your cancer. The Gleason score is usually based on the results of a biopsy of the prostate, and it provides an indication of how quickly the cancer will grow and spread.
