There are several staging systems to categorize the levels of prostate cancer. The most widely accepted system is the TNM classification.

Stage I - (T1) - Tumor remains confined to the prostate and is too small to be detected on DRE. This is an incidentally found cancer either by an elevated PSA or found after a transurethral resection of the prostate.

Stage II - (T2) - Tumor is still confined to the prostate, but is now large enough to be felt on DRE.

Stage III - (T3) - The prostate cancer has spread through the prostatic capsule and may involve locally surrounding tissues such as the seminal vesicles.

Stage IV - (T4) - Metastatic prostate cancer in which the cancer involves lymph nodes or bony sites or other organs such as the liver or lungs.