staging of prostate cancer as determined by the digital rectal examination. See our Clinical Stage Paper.

Stage includes evaluation of the size and extension of the cancer, the presence or absence of spread of cancer to lymph nodes, and the presence or absence of spread to other body organs. Clinical stage is the stage determined only by physical examination, and x-ray or other imaging studies. This includes determination of the size of the cancer, and evaluation of lymph nodes by the doctor’s examination of the armpit. The final stage is the pathological stage which is determined from microscopic examination of the tumor and lymph nodes. Clinical stage is used for initial treatment planning.

An estimate made by the doctor based on the PSA, digital rectal exam (DRE), ultrasound, biopsyand other tests. The actual stage can only be determined by a pathologist alter the prostate is removed.