[b]Irving, Texas[/b] – Once a tissue sample is taken through biopsy and examined by a pathologist, it is assigned with a grade that determines the abnormality level of the cells. The Gleason system is most often used for grading prostate cancer. A low-grade tumor has not moved beyond the prostate while a high-grade tumor is faster growing and aggressive with the likelihood of metastasizing.

“Researching your diagnosis is always encouraged,” says Dr. Echt. "But a conversation with your doctors will give you more answers and clarification to all the questions you may have."

• Gleason grading system is used by a pathologist to identify the growth rate and aggressiveness of a tumor and its chance of metastasizing. Lower grades (from 2 to 4) show that the tumor is growing slowly while grades 5 to 7 are intermediate. High-grade cancers with scores of 8 to 10 have a likelihood of spreading or could already have metastasized.

• The main tests used for clinical staging of prostate cancer are Digital Rectal Exam (DRE), Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS) and Prostate Specific Antigen. TRUS is when an ultrasound probe is inserted into the rectum to visualize the area on a screen. Additional tests like a bone scan are carried out to determine if the prostate cancer has metastasized.

• Prostate cancer staging determines the size of the cancer area and how far it has spread in the prostate and beyond the prostate. Localized stage of cancer (stage 1 or A) refers to non-palpable tumors. Stage II or B refers to palpable tumors that can be felt but still within the prostate gland. Regional or stage III are tumors that have grown outside the prostate gland and are present in the seminal vesicles. Metastatic or stage IV refers to tumors that have already spread to other body parts.

“Be sure to visit the Prostate Seed Institute early for diagnosis and treatment options,” urges Dr. Echt. “You don’t have to face it alone.”

[b]About The Prostate Seed Institute[/b]

The Prostate Seed Institute is one of the country’s leading pioneers in prostate cancer treatment including prostate seed implementation, a fast and painless procedure that effectively treats prostate cancer in its earliest stages. With a team of oncology experts and a state-of-the-art facility, the Prostate Seed Institute provides prostate cancer patients with the most comprehensive treatment available.