What are Stages of Cancer? Its Symptoms and Treatment Options

• Written by Yashita Sinha

  Reviewed by Munmi Sharma

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Did you know that India records over 14 lakh new cases annually?  Besides this, the current projections indicate that this number could rise to 15.7 lakh by 2025 and 20 lakh by 2040.

As alarming as this data sounds, with the kind of lifestyle we lead, most of us are at risk of developing cancer. Through this piece, we’ll make you understand the stages of cancer and the role they play in deciding the suitable treatment for cancer patients. So, without further ado, let’s get started. 

What is Cancer Staging?

Cancer staging is a process that doctors use to describe the extent or seriousness of cancer in a patient’s body. The stage of cancer indicates the size of the tumour, where it has spread and how far it has progressed. 

Why is Staging Important? 

Cancer Staging plays an important role in determining the right course of treatment for cancer patients. If the cancer is confined to one part, doctors might recommend surgery or radiotherapy. However, if it has spread to multiple body parts, they might prefer treatment options that would eradicate cancer from the whole body. These methods include: 

• Chemotherapy 
• Hormone Therapy 
• Targeted Drug Therapy 
• Immunotherapy 

Types of Cancer Staging 

Cancer Staging is done based on - size and growth of the tumour, the location of the tumour, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. Let’s understand the bifurcation of stages based on each factor:

Staging By Size and Growth of the Tumour 

Doctors use a number system to stage most types of cancers. These stages are described below:

Stage 0 (Carcinoma in situ): This is the earliest stage of cancer, where it has started developing but is confined to the affected area. It’s usually considered a ‘pre-cancer’ stage. If detected at this early stage, the possibility of effective treatment of the disease increases. 

Stage 1: At this stage, the cancerous tumour is small in size, approximately up to 2 centimetres or less, and has not spread to surrounding lymph nodes. 

Stage 2: The tumour grows up to 4 centimetres, but remains restricted to one area without spreading to surrounding lymph nodes. Here, the chances of treatment remain positive. 

Stage 3: By this stage, the tumour grows larger than 4 centimetres and starts spreading to surrounding lymph nodes, indicating the advancement of cancer. While it becomes challenging for doctors to treat patients at this stage, certain options like surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy can still be effective. 

Stage 4: This is the most advanced stage of cancer, where it has spread to other organs or distant parts of the body, like the lungs or liver. It becomes challenging for doctors to treat at this stage. 

Staging by Location

The types of cancer stages described by location include: 

• In Situ: Cancer cells are present but haven’t spread beyond where they first developed. It’s often considered that the earliest stage of cancer is highly treatable. 
• Localised: Cancer is confined to the organ where it started, with no sign of spread to the surrounding tissues or lymph nodes. It often has a higher chance of successful treatment and recovery. 
• Distant: By this stage, cancer spreads to distant parts of the body, such as other organs and distant lymph nodes. This stage is often harder to treat and requires systemic therapies. 
• Regional: Cancer spreads beyond the original location to nearby lymph nodes and tissues. The treatment procedure becomes a bit complex due to the disease. 
• Unknown: The extent of the spread of cancer cannot be determined due to lack of sufficient information or diagnostic findings. This might occur in cases where imaging or biopsy results are not definitive. 

TNM Staging 

Developed by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) and the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), the TNM staging system stands for:

Tumour - Describes the size and extent of the primary tumour.

Nodes - Describes the spread of cancer to nearby lymph nodes.

M (metastasis) -  Describes metastasis- the spread of cancer to other parts of the body

Stagewise Cancer Symptoms 

The table below describes the symptoms of each stage of cancer:

How is Cancer Stage Determined?

Cancer staging involves several tests, including blood tests and evaluations to identify tumour characteristics, metastasis, and lymph node involvement. Below are the methods used to determine cancer stage:

• Physical examination: The diagnosis begins with the assessment. Here, doctors check for swelling, lumps, and any abnormalities there are. The assessment also involves evaluating family history and symptoms.
• Imaging tests: Tests like X-rays, CT scans, PET scans, and MRIS are run to visualise tumour size and spread. Ultrasound is also used to determine cell growth.
• Biopsy: This method involves the extraction and examination of the tissue sample. Biopsy helps confirm the malignancy and other tumour characteristics.
• Endoscopy & laparoscopy: These procedures involve examination of the organs using a camera-guided tube.
• Molecular and genetic testing: This cancer staging method helps determine specific mutations (for example, EGFR in lung cancer, HER2 in breast cancer, etc).

Summing it Up!

Cancer Staging is invaluable for determining the right course of treatment and enhancing outcomes for patients. However, the high cost of cancer treatment can be expensive. This is where cancer mediclaim insurance becomes a saviour. 

By offering comprehensive coverage for treatment and surgery, it gives you the much-needed mental peace during such a difficult situation. Given the rising cancer rates, having the right insurance ensures financial protection, so you can focus on recovery without the added stress of medical expenses. Invest in your health and financial safety today.

Also Read: Can stress cause Cancer? Here is what you need to know

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