A common system used by doctors to determine the stage of prostate cancer is the TNM (tumor, node, metastasis) system. Cancer is staged according to:
= the type of tumor
= tumor spread to the lymph nodes
= tumor spread to distant sites
The tumor is confined to the prostate gland but may be detected during digital rectal exam. Possible symptoms may include a need to urinate frequently, especially at night. Treatment may involve surgery or radiation, possibly combined with hormone therapy (to shrink the tumor).
