Stages of Breast Cancer
Stages of
Progression
"Earlier the stage, the more likely the cancer can be treated successfully with less extensive measures."
When someone is diagnosed with breast cancer, doctors do tests to see how far the cancer has spread. This process is called staging. They check the size of the tumor, if it’s in nearby lymph nodes, and if it’s spread to other parts of the body. This helps them plan the right treatment.
For breast cancer, staging is based on things like the size of the tumor, if it’s spread to lymph nodes, how aggressive it is, and certain biomarkers. They use a system called TNM, tumor grade, and biomarkers to figure out the stage.
Diagnostic
modalities
Staging groups guide doctors in choosing the right treatment and predicting outcomes. Personalizing these groups gives you the best chance of successful care.
01Clinical Prognostic Stage
Determined before starting treatment based on medical history, physical exams, imaging, and biopsy results.
02Pathological Prognostic Stage
Determined after surgery by examining surgical tissue and lymph nodes under a microscope for precise characteristics.
The Staging Blueprint
Global Standardization System
Tumor
Measures the size of the primary tumor within the tissue.
Node
Determines spread to regional lymphatic structures.
Metastasis
Indicates migration to distant physiological systems.
"Anatomic Stage focuses on size and spread. M0 means no spread; M1 indicates metastatic breast cancer."
Cellular
Signatures
Biomarkers check for signals that help cells grow, directly influencing treatment.
Tumor Grade
Evaluation of cell abnormality compared to normal cells to assess aggressiveness.
Estrogen (ER)
ER positive (ER+) if signal is present; negative (ER-) if not.
Progesterone (PR)
PR positive (PR+) if signal is present; negative (PR-) if not.
HER2 Receptor
HER2+ cancers have many signals and grow faster.
Triple Negative vs. Triple Positive
These classifications depend on the presence or lack of all three signals, defining the most precise care map for your unique biology.
The Standard System
The number staging system tells us how big the cancer is and whether it has spread, helping doctors choose the most effective measures.
The Diagnostic Suite
Additional tests and procedures often employed during the staging process to gather more information about the extent and characteristics of the cancer.
Sentinel Node Biopsy
A procedure to test if cancer has spread beyond the original tumor. It’s most commonly used in people with breast cancer and melanoma. During the procedure, healthcare providers remove small organs called sentinel nodes and test them for cancer cells.
Blood Markers
Doctors can check your blood for certain substances or markers that may indicate cancer or how well your body is handling treatment.
MRI Scan
A detailed picture of the inside of your body, helping doctors see if there’s anything unusual, like a tumor.
PET Scan
It shows areas in your body where cells are using a lot of energy, which can indicate cancer. It helps doctors find out if cancer has spread to other parts of your body.
Bone Scan
It’s a test to see if cancer has spread to your bones. You get a special injection, and then they take pictures of your bones to see if there are any areas that look different.
Ultrasound
It uses sound waves to create images of your body’s organs. It’s often used to look at the breast or nearby lymph nodes to see if there are any abnormalities.