My prostate cancer has spread beyond the prostate itself into the lymph vessels (on one side only) through the seminal vessels (see diagram below). This has been diagnosed via the biopsy and more specifically the MRI scan which showed significant enlargement of the lymph nodes.
There are two types of lymph node metastasis: local and distant. Because there are lymph nodes close to the prostate gland, metastasis in these lymphs is considered local. If cancerous cells begin to grow in any other lymph node, the metastasis is considered distant. Although I have never actually had a discussion with my consultant about the type of lymph metastasis, I am working on the basis that my lymph metastasis is local.
Lymph involvement is staged according to an ‘N’ grading based on the enlargement of the lymphs, as follow:
- N0- No cancer cells found in any lymph nodes
- N1 – One positive lymph node smaller than 2cm across
- N2 -More than one positive lymph node or, one that is between 2 and 5cm across.
- N3 – Any positive lymph node that is bigger than 5 cm across
The MRI scan taken in March showed that the largest lymph node was 3cm, giving me a grading of N2.
Unfortunately, the spread of the cancer beyond the prostate itself, is a vital element in the final prognosis:
When cancer is confined to the prostate gland, the disease is usually curable. A number of patients with locally spread cancer die within 5 years. Once cancer has spread to distant organs, life expectancy is usually less than 3 years.
(http://www.urologychannel.com/prostatecancer/treatment-surg.shtml)
(click on the pictures to enlarge)
