What Is The Meaning Of The Different Descriptors For Prostate Cancer Such As 'Low Risk' And 'High Risk'?

March 16, 2009 -- Question: What is the meaning of the different descriptors for prostate cancer such as "low risk," "favorable risk," "intermediate risk," and "high risk"?

Answer: Oftentimes, prostate cancer has a description associated with it. Sometimes low risk, intermediate risk, high risk. Usually we talk about the type of aggressivity of the cancer, how aggressive is your prostate cancer?

Low risk: less aggressive, most likely organ-confined. High risk: more aggressive prostate cancer, most likely will need multiple treatment options and may be advanced at the time of diagnosis.