How Stage Is Determined
To learn the stage of your disease, your doctor may order x-rays, lab tests, and other tests or procedures. See the section on How Cancer Is Diagnosed to learn more about these tests.
Systems That Describe Stage
There are many staging systems. Some, such as the TNM staging system, are used for many types of cancer.
- where the tumor is located in the body
- the size of the tumor
- whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes
- whether the cancer has spread to a different part of the body
The TNM Staging System
The stage of cancer is an important factor in determining the best treatment options and predicting the prognosis or outcome. Generally, the earlier the stage of cancer, the more likely it is to be treated successfully. It's important to note that the staging of cancer can be complex and may involve other factors such as the grade of the cancer, the presence of certain biomarkers, and the patient's overall health. A healthcare provider can provide more detailed information about the staging of cancer and what it means for treatment and outcomes.