When it comes to cancer, the stage at which it’s diagnosed can really irritate you. The TNM staging system refers to cancers that have spread throughout the body, but it does not apply to all cancers. Some types have separate staging systems, such as cancers of the lymph system and blood. Regardless, the general approach is to label the cancer based on how many lymph nodes are affected. This information helps doctors determine which treatments are best for your specific cancer type and condition.
Some types of irritants promote cell proliferation. Peyton Rous emphasized the importance of knowing the difference between tissue injury and inflammation. Certain classes of irritants increase the proliferation of cells, which has an ancillary effect on the growth of cancer. While many types of inflammation promote tissue regeneration, sustained cell proliferation is a potential cause of neoplastic disease. This is because sustained cell proliferation may result in an increased risk for a variety of cancer types.
Whether you have cancer in your colon, liver, or breast, it is important to get a proper diagnosis. Your doctor will determine the stage of your cancer by examining it with special equipment. He or she will also examine you physically. Some types of cancer are more likely to respond to chemotherapy than others. And sometimes it can even be difficult for the doctor to determine which treatment will work best. This is where your doctors come in handy. The more information they have, the more accurate treatment options will be.
A committee of doctors was formed to develop an official method for cancer staging and end results reporting. It met its first meeting on September 6, 1958, with Dr. James Mason, the assistant director of the American College of Surgeons. The American Cancer Society funded the Staging Committee. Later, the American Joint Committee for Cancer Staging and End Results Reporting was formed to oversee the process of cancer staging. Its goal is to provide a standard of care to doctors.
Cancer staging has always been difficult for patients with head and neck cancer because the anatomic locations are so diverse. However, these sites lend themselves to adequate clinical assessment through visual inspection and palpation. Additionally, there is less available anatomic data for comprehensive pathologic staging. Documenting locoregional disease is important for surgical decision-making. Therefore, cancer staging should be done carefully and thoroughly. The most recent cancer staging classification includes a new set of criteria for advanced cases.
