What does the term cTX signify in prostate cancer staging?

The term cTX in prostate cancer staging is used to indicate that the primary tumor cannot be assessed, typically because the necessary clinical evaluation has not been performed. In this context, "c" refers to clinical assessment, and "TX" denotes that the tumor’s presence has not been determined.

A physician not performing a digital rectal exam (DRE) means that there has been no physical examination to assess the prostate, which would prevent an accurate determination of the tumor's status. Therefore, this option aligns with the definition of cTX.

In contrast, the other choices relate to specific conditions or characteristics of the tumor that do not correspond to the meaning of cTX. For instance, indicating a tumor has been completely resected pertains to surgical outcomes rather than staging, and making claims about differentiation or detectability also implies an assessment has occurred. Understanding the significance of various staging designations is crucial in oncology for determining diagnosis and treatment plans.