On your Prostate Cancer Journey...
Understand Your Diagnosis
No two prostate cancers are the same. Understanding the details of your diagnosis—including how aggressive it is and what stage it’s in—helps you and your care team make the right decisions. This page explains key tests, risk scores, and the importance of second opinions.
Understanding Your Pathology Report: Risk Scores and Groups
Your pathology report contains critical information about your cancer. Learning to interpret this report allows you to actively participate in treatment decisions.
You’ll receive a Gleason Score (or Grade Group), based on how abnormal the cells look.
Your PSA level, biopsy results, and cancer stage help define your risk group:
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Low
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Intermediate
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High
The risk level guides treatment recommendations.
Learn more:
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🔗 American Cancer Society – Understanding Your Pathology Report
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Prostate Cancer Research Institute: Understanding Gleason Score
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🔗 MSK Nomograms
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🔗 NCCN Guidelines for Patients – Prostate Cancer
Biopsies and Second Opinions
A biopsy removes small tissue samples from your prostate to confirm if cancer is present. It’s usually guided by ultrasound or MRI.
We strongly encourage you to get a second opinion—especially for interpreting pathology results. A significant percentage of second opinions result in different scores, often leading to better decisions.
Local resources:
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Johns Hopkins – Pathology Second Opinion
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Cleveland Clinic – Second Opinion
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Mayo Clinic – Biopsy Info
Genetic and Genomic Testing
Genetic testing can identify inherited mutations that may influence treatment decisions,
Genomic testing examines your tumor's specific genetic makeup.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Being prepared with questions helps you gather the information needed for decision-making.
Sample questions:
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What is my Gleason score and stage?
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What treatment options are appropriate for my specific case?
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What are the potential side effects of each treatment?
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How might treatment affect my quality of life?​