Cancer Stages

When someone refers to the “stage” of cancer, they are referring to how far the cancer has progressed.  The stage is determined by how large the tumor is and whether, or how extensively, it has spread. 

The number of stages is dependent upon the type of cancer.  (Some cancers are not staged.) There can be up to five stages numbered from 0-IV.  Early stage cancer has a lower number.  Late stage cancer has a higher number and a greater likelihood of spread to other areas of the body.

 
Stage 0            Precancerous
Stage I            Small amount of cancer found only in organ of origination
Stage II           Larger amount of cancer/may or may not have spread to lymph nodes
Stage III          Larger amount of cancer/spread to lymph nodes
Stage IV          Cancer spread to additional organ

While there are many staging systems, TNM is most commonly utilized.

♦  T=size of tumor
♦  N=number of lymph nodes involved
♦  M=metastasis

After evaluating these three aspects, a stage is assigned and treatment options are determined.