What does the T2 category in prostate pathology indicate?

The T2 category in prostate pathology refers to the classification of tumor size and invasion as part of the TNM staging system used for cancers, including prostate cancer. Specifically, T2 indicates that the tumor is confined within the prostate gland and has extended into either one or both lobes of the prostate. It suggests that the cancer has penetrated the prostatic capsule, which is the outer layer of the prostate, but it has not spread beyond the confines of the prostate gland itself.

Understanding the T stage is crucial because it helps in determining the appropriate treatment strategy and can provide insights into the expected prognosis for the patient. The importance of T2 lies in its indication that the disease is localized, which often allows for a range of treatment options that may include surgery, radiation therapy, or active surveillance.

The other options describe conditions or stages that do not pertain to T2 classification, reinforcing the correctness of the selected answer.