If Gleason 6 doesn't metastasize, how is G6 T3b possible?

I have a question about Gleason Score 6 (3+3), I read that this rarely metastasizes, but I am a T3b, is this possible?

Gave thread a title -- PeterDisAbelard

Post Edited By Moderator (PeterDisAbelard) : 5/15/2013 4:07:36 PM (GMT-6)

Eaglekeeper - often gleason 6 PCa is thought of as a slower developing /spreading cancer - and with your T3b - it has spread outside the prostate capsule - see explanation from another website -
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Stage T3 Disease

The two forms of stage T3 disease require extension of prostate cancer tissue through the so-called “prostatic capsule” and out of the prostate into the immediately surrounding tissue.

Stage T3a disease — In the case of stage T3a disease the prostate cancer tissue may have extended outside the prostate capsule on one side (unilateral) or both sides (bilateral) of the prostate. Thus stage T3a is very similar to stage C1 in the Jewett-Whitmore system

Stage T3b disease — Stage T3b disease is used to describe prostate cancer which has extended into one or both of the seminal vesicles (which is roughly comparable to the older stage C2 disease). However, stage T3b is also used to define disease which combines extracapsular extension with either unilateral or bilateral seminal vesicle involvement (which is comparable to stage C3 in the Jewett-Whitmore system).

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so there may be RT in the future - there may not be... this is such a confusing disease -
-when I hear the word metastasize - I associate it with a higher gleason score and going to the bone - rather than just spread from the original prostate bed ( meaning some bad guy cancer cells were left over)- which may be slow developing .

-take care,
Bronson

Eaglekeeper,

As I understand it, the seminal vesicles are a very prostate-like environment and is very conducive to life of G3 cells. G3 cells are still very differentiated and unsuited to life outside their native environment. Other organs (e.g., pelvic floor, bladder, bone) are very unprostate-like and G3 cells would have a hard time surviving there.