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Once diagnosed with cancer, your medical team will work to understand the extent of the disease in your body. The size, location, rate of spread, and abnormality of the cells provide a foundation for developing a personalized treatment plan. This understanding is encapsulated through assigning stage numbers and grading tumors.
Dr. Hung-Jui Ray Tan, an expert urologic oncologist at UNC Health, underscores that these numbers are crucial but require contextualization in relation to individual circumstances. These metrics serve as foundational information; however, the significance varies based on cancer type, Dr. Tan emphasizes.
Cancer Stages:
The stage of a cancer refers to how extensively it has spread within your body. This assessment is variable among different cancers and can be quantified through TNM Tumor Nodal Metastasis system. This involves evaluating the tumor size T, nodal involvement N, and distance from its original location, known as metastasis M.
A numerical scale from 1 to 4 categorizes these stages with lower numbers indicating less spread and higher numbers reflecting greater dissemination.
Notably, some cancers such as brn tumors are not staged due to their limited ability to spread beyond the confines of the brn. Similarly, blood cancers have specialized staging systems or none at all, with lymphoma's stages being determined by lymph node involvement and mass location.
Dr. Christopher Dittus, a UNC Health hematologist and oncologist stresses that the stage does not necessarily equate to terminality. Although high-stage cancers are advanced and may require aggressive interventions, it is incorrect to assume that they have an inevitable .
Tumor Grades:
The grade of the tumor refers to its differentiation from normal cells. Following a biopsy or resection, the pathologist examines the tissue under a microscope, comparing it with healthy cells.
The differentiation level indicates the likelihood of cancer recurrence and metastasis.
Lower-grade tumors t to be more aggressive and have a higher risk of spreading while high-grade tumors are less invasive but can progress rapidly.
Cancer Care: A Closer Look
For detled information about potential treatments, consult your healthcare provider or visit their website to find an expert near you.
Dr. Sara Wobker, an Associate Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at UNC School of Medicine explns the nuances involved in cancer diagnosis and treatment planning.
Dr. Hung-Jui Ray Tan offers insights into urologic oncology as Director of this program at UNC School of Medicine.
Dr. Christopher Dittus shares expertise on hematological malignancies, specifically lymphoma management.
Dr. Sara Wobker, an expert in genitourinary malignancies contributes her research findings to advancing the field.
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The journey towards understanding cancer involves navigating complex medical terminology. demystify these terms for clarity and better comprehension.
: The content in is designed for informational purposes only and should not replace professional health advice from a healthcare provider.
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