Glossary: 1997 UUIC clinical staging system (for prostate cancer)

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1997 UUIC clinical staging system (for prostate cancer)

The global standard in prostate cancer staging is the TNM classification of malignant tumors. Doctors throughout the world use the tumor, lymph node, and metastasis (TNM) system for staging most cancers. The following is the fifth edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer Staging Systems for prostate cancer. These stages are listed on the pathology report.

TX: cannot evaluate the primary tumor
T0: no evidence of tumor
T1: tumor present, but not detectable clinically or with imaging
- T1a: tumor was incidentally found in less than 5 percent of prostate tissue resected (for other reasons)
- T1b: tumor was incidentally found in greater than 5 percent of prostate tissue resected
- T1c: tumor was found in a needle biopsy performed due to an elevated serum PSA
T2: the tumor can be felt (palpated) on examination, but has not spread outside the prostate
- T2a: the tumor is in half or less than half of one of the prostate gland's two lobes, or the tumor is in more than half of one lobe, but not both
- T2b: the tumor is in both lobes
T3: the tumor has spread through the prostatic capsule (if it is only part-way through, it is still T2)
- T3a: the tumor has spread through the capsule on one or both sides
- T3b: the tumor has invaded one or both seminal vesicles
T4: the tumor has invaded other nearby structures

biopsy (BY-op-see)

The removal of cells or tissues for examination by a pathologist. The pathologist may study the tissue under a microscope or perform other tests on the cells or tissue. There are many different types of biopsy procedures. The most common types include: (1) incisional biopsy, in which only a sample of tissue is removed; (2) excisional biopsy, in which an entire lump or suspicious area is removed; and (3) needle biopsy, in which a sample of tissue or fluid is removed with a needle. When a wide needle is used, the procedure is called a core biopsy. When a thin needle is used, the procedure is called a fine-needle aspiration biopsy.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

cancer (KAN-ser)

A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

capsule (KAP-sul)

In medicine, a sac of tissue and blood vessels that surrounds an organ, joint, or tumor. A capsule is also a form for medicine that is taken by mouth. It usually has a shell made of gelatin with the medicine inside.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

imaging (IH-muh-jing)

In medicine, a process that makes pictures of areas inside the body. Imaging uses methods such as x-rays (high-energy radiation), ultrasound (high-energy sound waves), and radio waves.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

joint (joynt)

In medicine, the place where two or more bones are connected. Examples include the shoulder, elbow, knee, and jaw.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

lobe (lobe)

A portion of an organ, such as the liver, lung, breast, thyroid, or brain.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

lymph (limf)

The clear fluid that travels through the lymphatic system and carries cells that help fight infections and other diseases. Also called lymphatic fluid.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

malignant (muh-LIG-nunt)

Cancerous. Malignant cells can invade and destroy nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

metastasis (meh-TAS-tuh-sis)

The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another. A tumor formed by cells that have spread is called a “metastatic tumor” or a “metastasis.” The metastatic tumor contains cells that are like those in the original (primary) tumor. The plural form of metastasis is metastases (meh-TAS-tuh-SEEZ).

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

pathology report (puh-THAH-loh-jee ...)

The description of cells and tissues made by a pathologist based on microscopic evidence, and sometimes used to make a diagnosis of a disease.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

prostate (PROS-tayt)

A gland in the male reproductive system. The prostate surrounds the part of the urethra (the tube that empties the bladder) just below the bladder, and produces a fluid that forms part of the semen.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

prostate cancer (PROS-tayt KAN-ser)

Cancer that forms in tissues of the prostate (a gland in the male reproductive system found below the bladder and in front of the rectum). Prostate cancer usually occurs in older men.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

resected (ree-SEK-ted)

Removed by surgery.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

serum (SEER-um)

The clear liquid part of the blood that remains after blood cells and clotting proteins have been removed.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

staging (STAY-jing)

Performing exams and tests to learn the extent of the cancer within the body, especially whether the disease has spread from the original site to other parts of the body. It is important to know the stage of the disease in order to plan the best treatment.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

tissue (TIH-shoo)

A group or layer of cells that work together to perform a specific function.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

tumor (TOO-mer)

An abnormal mass of tissue that results when cells divide more than they should or do not die when they should. Tumors may be benign (not cancer), or malignant (cancer). Also called neoplasm.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)