Both types include genetic information and additional criteria. Clinical staging is usually indicated by a “c” before the TNM category. Pathological staging is based on the same information as clinical staging, but also includes new information obtained during surgery. If a tumor is classified as Stage 3 or more, it is referred to as Stage IV.
Patients with cancer stage 3 may still have treatment options after their initial diagnosis. Treatments vary depending on the specific organ and size of the tumor. Most treatments for stage 3 cancers require highly specialized care. A cancer stage three prognosis is far different than for cancer stage one or two. It is often harder to treat than earlier stages, and patients often relapse after treatment. However, doctors use cancer stages to compare different patients with similar diagnoses to determine which treatments are most effective. They also help track the progression of cancer, which allows doctors to determine survival rates for various cancer types.
In case cancer treatment is not the first step, doctors may decide that chemotherapy or radiation therapy is the best option to shrink the tumor. In some cases, chemotherapy or radiotherapy may be used to shrink the cancer after surgery. Doctors also perform imaging tests to determine the size and makeup of the tumor. These tests also provide additional information, such as the blood flow through the tumor. However, cancer stage 3C patients may still need other treatments to shrink the tumor.
The toxicity of cytostatic agents may limit the dosage and administration rhythm. Most chemotherapy drugs cause myelosuppression, which is a common side effect of the treatment. This side effect limits the effectiveness of chemotherapy. Cancer stage 3 is also associated with death. This is because chemotherapy treatment inhibits cell proliferation, which limits the number of white blood cells in the body. There are a variety of drugs that can treat cancer stage 3.
The American Cancer Society calculates survival rates using large sample sizes, but individual results may vary. Surviving rates over 5 years represent the state of medical knowledge five years ago, and do not reflect the individual circumstances of each patient. While statistics are helpful, it is still recommended to seek medical care as soon as possible if you suspect you have cancer. If you’re concerned, there are treatment options available for breast cancer stage 3.
Chemotherapy treatment can cause diarrhea if it has a side effect. These drugs are effective at killing cancer cells, but they can also cause other side effects. Some chemotherapeutic agents, like L-asparaginase, may cause diarrhoea, which can be harmful to the patient and therapy administration. A side effect of chemotherapy treatment, however, is the development of cancer in the breast.