Breast cancer is classified into different stages based on the size of the tumor, whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes, and whether it has metastasized (spread) to other parts of the body. Staging helps guide treatment and predict outcomes. The most commonly used system is the TNM system, which stands for Tumor size (T), Node involvement (N), and Metastasis (M). These components are combined to assign an overall stage from 0 to IV.

The TNM System

• T (Tumor): Describes the size of the primary tumor, ranging from Tis (in situ) to T4 (large, invasive tumors).
• N (Nodes): Describes the extent of lymph node involvement, from N0 (no lymph node involvement) to N3 (extensive lymph node spread).
• M (Metastasis): Describes whether cancer has spread to distant organs, with M0 indicating no metastasis and M1 indicating metastasis.

Here’s a breakdown of the stages of breast cancer:

Stage 0: Non-Invasive (In Situ) Breast Cancer

At this stage, the cancer cells are confined to the ducts or lobules of the breast and haven’t spread into surrounding tissues. The most common form is Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS).

• Key Features:
• Tumor size: No invasive tumor.
• Lymph nodes: Not affected.
• Metastasis: None.

Stage I: Early Invasive Breast Cancer

• Stage IA - Breast Cancer:
• Tumor size: The tumor is 2 centimeters (cm) or smaller.
• Lymph nodes: Not affected (N0).
• Metastasis: No spread to distant sites (M0).

• Stage IB - Breast Cancer:
• Tumor size: No tumor in the breast, or the tumor is 2 cm or smaller.
• Lymph nodes: Small clusters of cancer cells (larger than 0.2 mm but smaller than 2 mm) are found in 1 to 3 nearby lymph nodes (N1mi).
• Metastasis: No distant spread (M0).

Stage II: Localized Advanced Breast Cancer

• Stage IIA - Breast Cancer:
• Tumor size: Either the tumor is between 2 cm and 5 cm or no tumor is found in the breast but cancer has spread to 1-3 nearby lymph nodes.
• Lymph nodes: 1 to 3 nodes involved.
• Metastasis: None (M0).

• Stage IIB - Breast Cancer:
• Tumor size: The tumor is between 2 cm and 5 cm, and cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, or the tumor is larger than 5 cm but hasn’t spread to nearby lymph nodes.
• Lymph nodes: 1 to 3 nodes may be involved.
• Metastasis: None (M0).

Stage III: Locally Advanced Breast Cancer

• Stage IIIA - Breast Cancer:
• Tumor size: Either no tumor in the breast or a tumor larger than 5 cm.
• Lymph nodes: Cancer is found in 4 to 9 nearby lymph nodes or the tumor has grown into chest wall/skin but hasn’t spread to distant organs.
• Metastasis: None (M0).

• Stage IIIB - Breast Cancer:
• Tumor size: The tumor may be any size and has spread to the chest wall or skin, causing swelling or an ulcer.
• Lymph nodes: May have spread to up to 9 lymph nodes.
• Metastasis: No distant spread (M0).

• Stage IIIC - Breast Cancer:
• Tumor size: Any size.
• Lymph nodes: Cancer has spread to 10 or more lymph nodes, or to lymph nodes above or below the collarbone, or to nearby breastbone nodes.
• Metastasis: None (M0).

Stage IV: Metastatic Breast Cancer

Stage IV breast cancer is the most advanced stage and means the cancer has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to other parts of the body, such as the bones, liver, lungs, or brain.

• Key Features:
• Tumor size: Can be any size.
• Lymph nodes: May or may not involve nearby lymph nodes.
• Metastasis: Distant metastasis is present (M1).

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Finding the Best Cancer Hospital in Hyderabad, is a crucial step in your cancer journey. The right hospital can provide you with the best care, from diagnosis to treatment and recovery.

At CION Cancer Hospital, we understand the challenges of a cancer diagnosis, and our commitment is to empower you to take control of your life throughout your cancer treatment. Our cancer specialists in Hyderabad are dedicated to providing individualised and holistic care, ensuring you receive the best possible treatment and support.

Facing cancer is undeniably daunting. However, with the right care and support, it becomes a journey that is more manageable and filled with hope. Access to cutting-edge treatments and a robust support network, both medical and emotional, empowers individuals to face the challenges of cancer with determination and optimism.