The T stage shows how far the cancer has spread in and around the prostate gland. This is measured by a digital rectal examination (DRE).

• T1 The cancer cannot be felt and can only be seen under a microscope - localised prostate cancer
• T2 The cancer can be felt but it is contained within the prostate gland - localised prostate cancer
• T3 The cancer can be felt breaking through the capsule of the prostate gland - loca lly advanced prostate cancer
• T4 The tumour has spread to nearby organs, such as the bladder neck, back passage or pelvic wall - locally advanced prostate cancer

The N stage shows whether or not the cancer has spread to the nearby (regional) lymph nodes in the pelvis. This is measured using an MRI or CT scan, which can help your specialist see whether these lymph nodes are enlarged. This can suggest that the cancer has spread to this area.

• NX The lymph nodes were not measured
• N0 The lymph nodes are not seen to contain cancer cells
• N1 The lymph nodes contain cancer cells

If your scan results suggest that your cancer has spread to the lymph nodes (N1), it may either be treated as locally advanced or advanced prostate cancer. This may depend on several factors including the results of your M stage and assessment by your specialist team.

Speak to your specialist about what treatments may be suitable for you if your cancer has spread to your lymph nodes, or read our treatment choices page.

The N stage may not be measured if the results would not affect your treatment options.

The M stage shows whether the cancer has spread (metastasised) to other parts of the body, such as the bone. This is measured using a bone scan. Your specialist may offer you a bone scan if they think your cancer may have spread. However, the majority of men diagnosed with localised prostate cancer will not need to have a bone scan. If you have a bone scan and the results show that your cancer has spread to other parts of the body (M1), you will be diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer.

• MX The spread of the cancer was not measured
• M0 The cancer has not spread to other parts of the body
• M1 The cancer has spread to other parts of the body

For example, if your cancer is described as T2, N0, MO it is likely that your cancer:

• is contained completely within the prostate gland
• has not spread to your lymph nodes
• has not spread to other parts of your body

A multi-disciplinary team (MDT) will discuss your test results. The MDT will include oncologists, urologists, radiologists, pathologists, specialist radiographers and specialist nurses. The outcome of this meeting will help you and your specialist team to discuss the best course of treatment for you. Depending on the results, your cancer may be treated as:

• Localised prostate cancer
• Locally advanced prostate cancer
• Advanced prostate cancer

Ask your specialist team to explain what your treatment options are and anything you have not understood. This will be important when you consider your next steps. You can read about the different treatment options in our treatment choices pages.

You might find it helpful to take a notepad with you to help you remember any important points. You could also take a family member or friend with you, or ask the doctor if you can record the consultation. We have suggested some useful questions to ask your doctor.

If you are unsure about your test results or the treatment options offered to you by your consultant, you may request a second opinion from another specialist by talking to your GP.

You can also speak to one of our specialist nurses about your treatment options by calling our confidential Helpline.

As well as getting medical help to treat your cancer most men find it helps to get some emotional support as well.

Talking to a partner, friend or relative about how you are feeling may help them to support you and help you cope better. Sharing concerns can make any decisions about your treatment easier to deal with.

You may also find it helps to talk to your doctor or a specialist cancer nurse at your treatment centre or a Macmillan nurse. Many of these nurses are trained in counselling and can help you work through some of your concerns. If you do not already have contact with one of these nurses you can ask your GP to refer you to their services.

If you would like to talk to one of our nurses about your treatment or anything you have read here, call our confidential Helpline.

If you would like to speak to another man who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, we can put you in touch with someone through our one to one support service.

You can find other organisations that provide information and support following a diagnosis of cancer on our useful links page.

• What is my PSA level?
• Will I need a biopsy? What are the risks and side effects of having a biopsy?
• How many biopsy samples will you take?
• What are my Gleason grades and Gleason score?
• Will I need an MRI, CT or bone scan?
• What is the stage of my cancer? What does this mean?
• What treatments are suitable for me?