- Initial treatment. Your doctor might consider active surveillance if you have a slow-growing stage 2 prostate cancer and no symptoms.
- Radical prostatectomy. Radical prostatectomy is the surgical removal of the prostate. Surgeons may remove the prostate through an open incision at the abdomen.
- Radiation therapy. Radiation therapy is used to destroy cancer cells. In external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), radiation beams come from a machine outside the body.
- Hormone therapy. Hormone therapy lowers male hormone levels or blocks them from fueling cancer cells. ...
How is Stage 2 prostate cancer treated?
How is stage 2 prostate cancer treated? Radical prostatectomy. Radical prostatectomy is surgical removal of the prostate. This is done through an abdominal... Radiation therapy. Radiation therapy is used to destroy cancer cells. In external beam radiation therapy (EBRT),... Hormone therapy. Hormone ...
What are my options for prostate cancer treatment?
One of the preferred options for treating organ-confined prostate cancer is radical prostatectomy. The da Vinci® Surgical System allows the surgeon to offer this procedure using a minimally invasive approach. Some advantages of surgery for prostate cancer may include: Patients with localized cancer may need no further treatment.
What is the difference between Stage 1 and Stage 2 prostate cancer?
In some men, radical prostatectomy may be followed by radiation and a short course of hormone treatment. Stage II cancers have not yet grown outside of the prostate, but are larger, have higher Gleason scores, and/or have higher PSA levels than stage I cancers.
Is there a positive outlook for Stage 2 prostate cancer?
But doctors can treat stage 2 prostate cancer by various means, and the general outlook is positive. Learn more about the stages of prostate cancer here. What is the survival rate for stage 2 prostate cancer?

Can you survive stage 2 prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is treatable and survivable. Diagnosing cancer in stage 2 improves a person's overall long term survival rate. The 5-year relative survival rate for all prostate cancers is 97.5% . But for localized prostate cancers, like stage 1 and stage 2 cancers, the relative survival rate is almost 100% .
What is the safest prostate cancer treatment?
Brachytherapy is a type of internal radiation therapy in which a doctor places radioactive material inside the prostate. Brachytherapy is a choice for men with low-risk prostate cancer.
Is Stage 2 prostate cancer considered advanced?
Cancer is more advanced than in stage I, but has not spread outside the prostate. Stage II is divided into stages IIA, IIB, and IIC. In stage IIA, cancer (1) is found in one-half or less of one side of the prostate.
What is the most successful prostate cancer treatment?
Radiation therapy (external-beam or brachytherapy) or surgery may also be suggested, as well as treatment in clinical trials. For those with a higher Gleason score, the cancer may be faster growing, so radical prostatectomy and radiation therapy are often recommended.
What is the newest treatment for prostate cancer?
The treatment, called 177Lu-PSMA-617, uses a molecule that selectively seeks out and attaches to a specific protein on the cancer cell surface called PSMA (prostate-specific membrane antigen). The technology delivers radiation that damages DNA and destroys the cancer cell.
Which treatment for prostate cancer has the least side effects?
HIFU allows men to avoid or live without such side effects for a period of time if they are ever to require whole gland treatment in the future. How patients recover: Done under general anesthesia, this is a well-tolerated outpatient procedure. It doesn't require hormone therapy or radiation.
How long can you live with Stage 2 prostate cancer with treatment?
Stage 2 means the cancer is in more than half of one side of the prostate. But it is still completely contained within the prostate gland. Almost everyone (almost 100%) will survive their cancer for 5 years or more after they are diagnosed.
Is Grade 2 prostate serious?
Grade 1: The tissue looks very much like normal prostate cells. Grades 2-4: Cells that score lower look closest to normal and represent a less aggressive cancer. Those that score higher look the furthest from normal and will probably grow faster.
What is a Grade 2 prostate?
Stage II: The tumor is found only in the prostate. PSA levels are medium or low. Stage II prostate cancer is small but may have an increasing risk of growing and spreading. Stage IIA: The tumor cannot be felt and involves half of 1 side of the prostate or even less than that.
Which is better treatment for prostate cancer surgery or radiation?
Both radiation and surgery are equally effective treatments to cure prostate cancer." The choice of which treatment is best is up to individual patients and their care teams, Dr. King says. "Make sure you talk with a surgeon and a radiation oncologist before you make your decision.
What is an alarming PSA level?
PSA levels under 4 ng/ml are generally considered normal, while levels over 4 ng/ml are considered abnormal. PSA levels between 4 and 10 ng/ml indicate a risk of prostate cancer higher than normal. When the PSA level is above 10 ng/ml, risk of prostate cancer is much higher.
Is prostatectomy better than radiation?
In conclusion, modern radiotherapy is superior to prostatectomy in terms of a patient's post-treatment quality of life. Obsolete comparisons of older forms of radiotherapy and prostatectomy do not reflect current knowledge.
What is the treatment for prostate cancer?
Radiation (external beam plus brachytherapy) with a course of hormone therapy. Radical prostatectomy in selected cases (often with removal of the pelvic lymph nodes ).
How is prostate cancer staged?
Prostate cancer is staged based on the extent (how much the cancer has spread) of the cancer (using T, N, and M categories) and the PSA level and Gleason score (Grade Group) when it is first diagnosed. For prostate cancers that haven't spread (stages I to III), doctors also use risk groups (based on how far the prostate tumor has grown, PSA level, ...
What stage of prostate cancer is not spread?
For prostate cancers that haven't spread (stages I to III), doctors also use risk groups (based on how far the prostate tumor has grown, PSA level, and prostate biopsy results) to help determine treatment options.
What to do if prostate cancer doesn't go away?
The options above are for the initial treatment of prostate cancer at different stages. But if these treatments aren’t working (the cancer continues to grow and spread) or if the cancer comes back, other treatments might be used, such as immunotherapy. (See Treating Prostate Cancer That Doesn’t Go Away or Comes Back After Treatment .)
Can prostate cancer grow outside the prostate?
These prostate cancers are small (T1 or T2) and have not grown outside the prostate. They have low Gleason scores (6 or less) and low PSA levels (less than 10). They usually grow very slowly and may never cause any symptoms or other health problems.
Can stage 4 cancer be cured?
Stage IV cancers have already spread to nearby areas such as nearby lymph nodes or to distant organs such as the bones. Most stage IV cancers can’t be cured, but are treatable. The goals of treatment are to keep the cancer under control for as long as possible and to improve a man’s quality of life.
Is observation good for stage 1 cancer?
As with stage I cancers, observation is often a good option for men whose cancer is not causing any symptoms and who are el derly and/or have other serious health problems. Radiation therapy (external beam or brachytherapy) with or without a course of hormone therapy may also be an appropriate option.
What kind of doctor is best for early stage cancer?
For early-stage cancers, it is natural for surgical specialist s, such as urologists, to favor surgery and for radiation oncologists to lean more toward radiation therapy. Doctors specializing in newer types of treatment may be more likely to recommend their therapies.
Can prostate cancer spread?
For most men diagnosed with prostate cancer, the cancer is found while it's still at an early stage -- it's small and has not spread beyond the prostate gland. These men often have several treatment options to consider.
How is radical prostatectomy done?
Radical prostatectomy is surgical removal of the prostate. This is done through an abdominal incision. You’ll have either general anesthesia or an epidural. Nearby lymph nodes may be biopsied at the same time.
What is the Gleason score for prostate cancer?
prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. Gleason score (2–10) The stage describes how aggressive the cancer is and how far it has spread. If you’ve been told you have stage 2 prostate cancer, it’s still localized. It hasn’t spread outside the prostate gland, but it’s more likely than stage 1 to grow and metastasize.
How does prostate cancer spread?
Prostate cancer is cancer that starts in the prostate gland. It can spread outside the prostate into nearby tissue, or through the lymph or blood systems. The stage of the cancer can be determined with the help of: The stage describes how aggressive the cancer is and how far it has spread. If you’ve been told you have stage 2 prostate cancer, it’s ...
What are the side effects of prostate surgery?
Potential side effects of prostate surgery include: bad reaction to anesthesia. bleeding, infection, or blood clots.
What is brachytherapy for prostate?
Brachytherapy is internal radiation therapy, which involves a lot less time on your part. A surgeon inserts radioactive pellets directly into your prostate. A permanent low-dose rate (LDR) gives off radiation for up to a few months.
Is hormone therapy good for prostate cancer?
Hormone therapy. Hormone therapy is used to lower male hormone levels or block them from fueling cancer cells. It’s not a cure for prostate cancer, but it does a good job of shrinking tumors and slowing growth.
Can prostate cancer cause erectile dysfunction?
Prostate cancer and treatment can lead to problems with urination as well as erectile dysfunction. If stage 2 prostate cancer spreads outside the prostate, it can reach nearby tissues, the lymph system, or bloodstream. From there, it can metastasize to distant sites. Later-stage prostate cancer is difficult to treat and can be life-threatening.
What is the procedure to remove prostate cancer?
The main operation doctors do is called a radical prostatectomy. The surgeon will remove the whole organ, plus some of the tissue around it. Retropubic prostatectomy.
How long does it take to get radiation treatment for prostate cancer?
The treatment takes just a few minutes, and it doesn’t hurt. You’ll probably go in to a clinic and get it 5 days per week for about 7 to 9 weeks.
How does a prostatectomy work?
Perineal prostatectomy. The surgeon removes the prostate through a cut between your anus and testicles. Doctors can also do prostatectomy through very small cuts in your pelvis using tiny tools. This technique is called laparoscopy, and the cuts are smaller than in the other operations.
What does it mean when you have prostate cancer?
When you’re diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early stage, usually stage I or II, it means the disease hasn't spread outside your prostate gland. That means you have a few good treatment options to choose from. It’s important to pick one that’s right for your condition and one that will give you the best quality of life.
How to put pellets in prostate?
You may have to stay away from pregnant women and children during this treatment. Doctors can also give the radiation through small tubes that they place in your prostate for a few minutes at a time.
Does cold gas kill prostate cancer?
This treatment uses very cold gas to freeze and kill cancer cells. Side effects include blood in your urine, bladder and bowel problems, and trouble getting an erection. Hormone therapy. Male hormones like testosterone can make prostate cancer cells grow.
Can you treat prostate cancer right away?
Prostate cancer often grows very slowly. You might not need to treat it right away -- or at all -- especially if you're older or have other health issues. For some men, the treatments themselves have risks that are greater than the benefit of getting rid of the cancer. Watchful waiting may be an option in this case.
What is the best stage for prostate cancer?
Most cancers are graded from stage 1 to 4 in level of severity, ...
What is the Gleason score for prostate removal?
Surgical prostate removal, or prostatectomy, is an option for men with a Gleason Score of 7 or higher when the cancer has not spread beyond the prostate. Most surgeries are performed robotically using the Da Vinci surgical system.
What to do if you have a high Gleason score?
Other Treatment Options. If the cancer has a very high Gleason Score and has spread to other areas of the body, chemotherapy and immunotherapy may be suggested. Genetic testing of the cancer is also recommended, as it may be able to predict whether a Gleason Score 6 or 7 tumor will later become aggressive.
How to treat prostate cancer?
Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill rapidly growing cells, including cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be administered through a vein in your arm, in pill form or both. Chemotherapy may be a treatment option for treating prostate cancer that has spread to other areas of the body.
What is the best way to monitor prostate cancer?
In active surveillance, regular follow-up blood tests, rectal exams and prostate biopsies may be performed to monitor progression of your cancer. If tests show your cancer is progressing, you may opt for a prostate cancer treatment such as surgery or radiation.
How does cryoablation work for prostate cancer?
Cryoablation or cryotherapy for prostate cancer involves using a very cold gas to freeze the prostate tissue. The tissue is allowed to thaw and the procedure repeats. The cycles of freezing and thawing kill the cancer cells and some surrounding healthy tissue. Heating prostate tissue.
Why is hormone therapy used for prostate cancer?
Hormone therapy is often used to treat advanced prostate cancer to shrink the cancer and slow its growth. Hormone therapy is sometimes used before radiation therapy to treat cancer that hasn't spread beyond the prostate. It helps shrink the cancer and increases the effectiveness of radiation therapy.
What tests are done to determine if prostate cancer is spread?
If your doctor suspects your cancer may have spread beyond your prostate, one or more of the following imaging tests may be recommended: Bone scan. Ultrasound. Computerized tomography (CT) scan.
What is the most common scale used to evaluate prostate cancer?
The most common scale used to evaluate the grade of prostate cancer cells is called a Gleason score . Gleason scoring combines two numbers and can range from 2 (nonaggressive cancer) to 10 (very aggressive cancer), though the lower part of the range isn't used as often.
What does it mean when your PSA is high?
However, if a higher than usual level is found, it may indicate prostate infection, inflammation, enlargement or cancer.
What is the treatment plan for prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer experts develop a comprehensive treatment plan specifically tailored for each patient. This individualized plan typically includes evidence-based medical treatments and technologies , combined with supportive care services to help reduce side effects and keep the patient strong in body, mind and spirit.
How does chemo help with prostate cancer?
When treating prostate cancer with chemotherapy, anti-cancer drugs are either injected or taken as a pill, and they travel through the bloodstream to the cancer cells. Chemotherapy is usually given to treat cancer after hormone therapy stops working, and generally isn’t a standalone treatment.
What is the difference between advanced and localized prostate cancer?
This guide provides an overview of the most common treatments for both localized and advanced prostate cancers. Localized prostate cancer means that the cancer cells are contained within the prostate gland. Advanced, or metastatic, prostate cancer means the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes and bones.
How does a laparoscopic prostatectomy work?
In a laparoscopic prostatectomy, which may be performed using robotic assistance, the surgeon uses a mechanical device to remove the prostate via several small incisions.
What is prostate cancer?
Advanced, or metastatic, prostate cancer means the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes and bones. Localized prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed, accounting for 77 percent of new cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Understanding the type of cancer is critical ...
What is radical prostatectomy?
Surgery. A radical prostatectomy is a surgical procedure in which the prostate is removed, along with any nearby tissue that contains prostate cancer cells. This is a common treatment for localized prostate cancer.
How often do you get PSA biopsies?
In general, active surveillance may be an option for patients whose prostate cancer is: Patients under active surveillance at Cancer Treatment Centers of America ® (CTCA) may receive regular PSA tests and biopsies every one to two years.
What is the best treatment for prostate cancer?
Active surveillance, surgery, and radiation therapy are the standard therapy choices for men with early-stage prostate cancer (see Types of Treatment, starting on page 8). Each has benefits (how treatments can help) and risks (problems treatment may cause). There is seldom just one right treatment choice.
What is the purpose of the prostate cancer booklet?
Its purpose is to help you learn about early-stage prostate cancer, different treatments, and the benefits and risks of each type of treatment. Most men will need more information than this booklet gives them to make a decision about treatment. For a list of groups that provide more information and support, please see the Ways to Learn More section on page 32. Also, see that section if you have prostate cancer that has spread beyond the prostate or that has returned after treatment.
How long does it take for a prostate cancer to grow?
Early-stage prostate cancer means that cancer cells are found only in your prostate. Compared with many other cancers, prostate cancer grows slowly. This means that it can take 10 to 30 years before a prostate tumor gets big enough to cause symptoms or for doctors to find it. Most men who have prostate cancer will die of something other than prostate cancer.
Can you choose prostate cancer treatment?
As a man with early-stage prostate cancer, you will be able to choose which kind of treatment is best for you . And while it is good to have choices, this fact can make the decision hard to make. Yet, each choice has benefits (how treatment can help) and risks (problems treatment may cause).
Very-Low-Risk Group
Low-Risk Group
Intermediate-Risk Group
- Radiation therapy (external beam or brachytherapy), often with ADT, is an option for men in this group. A radical prostatectomy with pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND)is also an option. Depending on the findings from surgery, treatments that might be discussed include: 1. External beam radiation therapy with or without ADT if the cancer is found in the lymph nodes or if it has …
High-Risk Group
- People with cancer in this group might be offered: 1. Radiation therapy (external beam with brachytherapy OR external beam radiation alone) along with ADTfor 1 to 3 years. 2. Radical prostatectomy with PLND. If cancer is found in the lymph nodes taken during surgery or if it has features that make it more likely to come back (recur), ADT with or without radiation might be re…
Very-High-Risk Group
- Treatment options for people in this group include: 1. External beam radiation therapy (with or without brachytherapy) along with ADT for 1 to 3 years. Sometimes, the chemotherapy drug docetaxel or the hormone drugabiraterone might be added to radiation plus ADT. 2. Radical prostatectomy with PLND(especially for younger men). If cancer is found in the lymph nodes tak…
Stage Iva
- Stage IVA cancers have spread to nearby lymph nodes but not to distant sites. For men who are healthy enough to get treatment or have symptoms from the cancer, options include: 1. External beam radiation treatment with ADT(with or without abiraterone) 2. ADT with or without abiraterone 3. Radical prostatectomy with PLND. If cancer is found in the lymph nodes taken dur…
Stage Ivb
- Stage IVBcancers have spread to distant organs such as the bones. Most stage IVB cancers can’t be cured, but are treatable. The goals of treatment are to keep the cancer under control for as long as possible and to improve a man’s quality of life. Initial treatment options may include: 1. ADT with abiraterone 2. ADT with apalutamide 3. ADT with che...