Cancer is classified according to its stage when it first becomes apparent. For example, stage II lung cancer remains at stage II irrespective of the extent of the disease or whether cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body. Early detection is important because it affects treatment options. If cancer returns after treatment, it might be restarted at a different stage. Fortunately, most cancers are curable when detected early enough. Read on for some information on cancer stages and their meanings.
Cancer staging describes the extent of the cancer when it is first diagnosed. It includes information about the size and location of the cancer as well as whether the disease has spread to other parts of the body. The stages are determined by several tests, such as physical exams, imaging scans, and biopsy. Knowing which stage your cancer is in will help your doctor decide on the appropriate treatment and start a treatment plan. In addition, cancer stage is helpful for talking about the diagnosis with your doctor.
Stage 0 describes cancer that has stayed localized. This type of cancer has spread to the tissues surrounding the primary tumor but has not reached the lymph nodes yet. Stage 2 cancer has spread to the regional area, while stage 3 cancer has spread to distant parts of the body. Stage IV cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Cancer at this stage is usually curable, and treatments vary depending on the type of cancer. When the disease has spread to other parts of the body, it is often termed metastatic cancer.
Cancer stages can change as technology advances. For instance, when a new imaging method enables doctors to detect cancer in its earliest stages, it will be classified as stage II or stage III. Cancer at stages IV has spread to other parts of the body. Because of its rapid growth, cancer at stages IV is considered metastatic. Most healthcare providers consider the stages zero to be pre-cancerous and therefore reversible. It is important to know the differences between the cancer stages and make sure that you are getting the right treatment.
The classification of cancer can be complex. It may also refer to intramucosal cancer or carcinoma in situ. It’s important to know what each stage means, as it can help you make an informed decision. The stages also help doctors plan further treatment when cancer recurs or gets worse. Generally, stage M1c lung cancer has spread to more than one part of the body. The letters TNM and TPMS are used for most cancers but exclude brain tumors.
Breast cancer stage is determined by the size of the primary tumor, whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes, the grade of the tumor, and whether or not biomarkers have been detected. The stage is also given on the basis of a patient’s health history, physical exam, and imaging tests. Sometimes, doctors will assign a different stage to each patient based on their symptoms and treatment history. This means that the patient will be treated based on the type of cancer based on their specific biomarker status.