How Fast Does Prostate Cancer Grow? Stages and Risks Explained

After a prostate cancer diagnosis, one of the most common—and urgent—questions patients ask is: “How fast will it grow?”

Does All Prostate Cancer Grow at the Same Speed?

No. Prostate cancer varies greatly from person to person. Some tumors remain small and confined to the prostate for years, while others grow rapidly and may spread to nearby organs or bones.

Key factors that influence growth rate include:

• Gleason score

• Cancer stage

• PSA level and velocity

• Genetic mutations

• Overall health and age

Understanding the Gleason Score

The Gleason score is one of the most important indicators of how fast a prostate tumor may grow. It’s assigned after a biopsy and is based on how abnormal the cancer cells appear under a microscope.

Stages of Prostate Cancer and Growth Potential

Prostate cancer is staged using the TNM system, which considers:

• T (Tumor): Size and spread in the prostate

• N (Nodes): Involvement of nearby lymph nodes

• M (Metastasis): Spread to bones or other organs

Stage I–II: Localized Cancer

• Confined to the prostate

• Often slow-growing

• May qualify for active surveillance

Stage III: Locally Advanced

• May extend into nearby tissues (e.g., seminal vesicles)

• Faster-growing

• Requires treatment such as surgery or radiation

Stage IV: Metastatic Cancer

• Cancer has spread to lymph nodes, bones, or distant organs

• Typically fast-growing

• Treated with hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapies

What Does PSA Velocity Tell You?

The rate at which PSA levels rise—called PSA velocity—can help predict how fast your cancer may be growing.

• Slow PSA rise: Suggests low-risk, slow-growing cancer

• Rapid PSA increase: May indicate aggressive disease

Dr. Samadi monitors PSA velocity closely during active surveillance and after treatment to detect early signs of progression.

Can You Tell How Fast It’s Growing Without a Biopsy?

While PSA levels and imaging (like MRI) offer clues, only a biopsy confirms the cancer type and Gleason score. Without this information, it’s impossible to accurately predict growth behavior.

How Quickly Can Aggressive Prostate Cancer Spread?

High-risk prostate cancer can spread in months to a few years if untreated. It may move beyond the prostate to:

• Bladder or rectum

• Pelvic lymph nodes

• Bones (especially spine, pelvis, ribs)

• Liver or lungs (in advanced cases)

Early detection and timely treatment are critical to controlling the spread.

What Can You Do to Slow Progression?

Dr. Samadi recommends:

• Early PSA screening (starting at 50—or earlier if high risk)

• Active monitoring for slow-growing cancers

• Timely treatment for intermediate and high-risk cancers

• Healthy lifestyle changes: Low-fat diet, exercise, weight management

Why Work With Dr. David Samadi?

As one of the world’s most experienced prostate surgeons, Dr. Samadi:

• Accurately assesses cancer stage and aggressiveness

• Offers both active surveillance and advanced robotic surgery

• Guides patients with empathy, clarity, and evidence-based care

No matter the pace of your prostate cancer, you’ll receive a personalized plan designed to protect your health and quality of life.

Concerned About How Fast Your Cancer Might Grow? Get Clarity Today

If you’ve been diagnosed or are seeing rising PSA levels, don’t wait and wonder. Dr. Samadi can provide the answers—and next steps—you need.

Schedule your consultation today
Call now: 212-365-5000