Staging of Breast Cancer
Staging - Once you find out you have cancer, it is very important to determine the extent, or stage, of the cancer. This may require additional tests. The biopsy report may say that the cancer is in situ. This means the tumor arises from a milk-producing cell or duct and has not spread to surrounding breast tissue. At this stage, the cancer usually does not have the ability to spread to other parts of the body.
Invasive cancer means that the tumor arose in the milk-producing cells or ducts and has spread into nearby breast tissue. This type may spread to the lymph nodes or to other parts of the body, which is why treatment often involves removing lymph nodes. However, it may not have spread at the time of diagnosis. The following are stages of breast cancer:
- Stage 0 means in situ cancer. The cancer is still in the place where it first developed. This is the earliest type.
- Stage I means the tumor is under 1 inch in diameter. It does not appear to have spread beyond the breast.
- Stage II means the tumor is about 1-2 inches in diameter. At this stage, it may have spread to the lymph nodes under the arm.
- Stage III means the tumor is about 2 inches in diameter or bigger. It may have spread to the underarm lymph nodes, other lymph nodes, or other tissues near the breast.
- Stage IV means the cancer has spread to other organs of the body.
Staging helps you and your doctor decide about your surgery and treatment.
*From pamphlet "For Women Facing Breast Cancer" by the American Cancer Society, Inc. 1995, 95-66.5M- No.4652.