What Are The Different Stages Of Breast Cancer?
When your doctor walks in and gives you the diagnosis of breast cancer, it’s hard to understand or focus on anything else. It’s understandable to have multiple emotions and many questions.
Your doctor will want to discuss your stage of breast cancer after your physical exam and mammogram results or lab reports. It is important to understand your breast cancer stage and the best treatment.
When your doctor is determining your stage of breast cancer, the T-N-M scale is considered. The T means tumor size; N is the involvement of the nearest lymph nodes; M refers to whether cancer has spread or metastasized to other parts of your body.
Breast cancer staging is a way to help doctors measure the severity of your disease and help to determine the best cancer treatment options. There are five stages of cancer that are determined by the size of the tumor and whether it has spread to other parts of your body.
Breast Cancer Stages
Stage 0
In Stage 0, breast cancer is found and diagnosed early. This stage of breast cancer is considered non-invasive or in situ (in the original place), which means cancer has not spread past the tissue in which it first developed.
Stage I
Stage 1 breast cancer is considered invasive, which means cancer may have spread in a small amount past the breast tissue in which it first developed, and possibly found in a lymph node.
Stage II
In Stage II the breast cancer has grown approximately between 2 and 5 centimeters. It may or may not have spread to as many as three lymph nodes.
Stage III
Stage III breast cancer is considered advanced. This stage means that cancer has been found in over 4 lymph nodes and has enlarged deep in your breast or it is in the chest wall or skin. The size of the cancerous tumor is over 5 centimeters.
Stage IV
Stage IV breast cancer is considered metastatic, which means it has spread past the original area found. In this stage, the cancerous tumor has spread beyond the breast and lymph nodes. It has spread to different body parts such as the brain, bones, liver, and lungs.
A diagnosis of breast cancer at any stage can be overwhelming. You will have many questions. Let your doctor know when you don’t understand something or want more information. Your doctor and medical team are there to help you make the right decision for your treatment.
Schedule Your Next Breast Health Screening with Dr. Gore Today!
Did you recently receive a breast cancer diagnosis and want a second opinion? If you have breast concerns, schedule your breast appointment with Dr. Gore by contacting North Atlanta Breast Care.
Disclaimer: This article is not a substitution for seeking medical attention.