Breast cancer is classified by stages.
This article explains what is involved in clinical breast cancer staging and what the different stages mean.
It also explains what to expect after the clinical stage has been established.
Verywell / Gary Ferster
Breast Cancer Tumor Size
Doctors usually measure the size of the tumor in centimeters (cm).
The cancer stage directs the appropriate course of treatment and predicts the likely outcome (prognosis).
But for the purpose of cancer diagnosis and treatment, pathologic breast cancer staging is considered the gold standard.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
The extent to which the tumor has grown into surrounding tissues is also important.
The lymph nodes nearest the tumor will almost invariably have more cancer cells than those further down the line.
The number and extent of lymph node involvement are central factors for the staging of breast cancer.
Alternatively, your lymph nodes may be evaluated with asentinel node biopsy.
Breast Cancer Treatment Options
Stages of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer has five stages.
Your stage is based on the TNM classification.
Stage 0
Stage 0is used for precancer, also known ascarcinoma in situ.
It may also be a recurrence of breast cancer that has spread to other areas.
Common sites of metastasesinclude the lungs, skin, bones, liver, brain, and distant lymph nodes.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
This will involve either a lumpectomy or a mastectomy.
Doctors use the TNM system to stage breast cancer and guide treatment.
Additional testing may be done to determine the prognosis and best treatment approach.
After the staging process, a lumpectomy or mastectomy is performed.
Additional treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation, hormonal therapy, or immunotherapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Volume doubling time estimates how fast breast cancer grows.
This is the amount of time it takes for a tumor to double in size.
You will need to have a mammogram, CT (computed tomography) scan, or MRI.
Additionally, you may need a biopsy to rule out cancer.
A biopsy may be needed to rule out cancer.
American Cancer Society.Breast cancer stages.
National Library of Medicine PDQ Cancer Information Summaries.Tumor sizes.
American Cancer Society.Imaging tests to find breast cancer.
American Joint Committee on Cancer.Cancer staging system.
American Cancer Society.Your Breast Pathology Report: Breast Cancer.
American Cancer Society.Cancer staging.
Breastcancer.org 2018.Breast Cancer Stages.
National Cancer Institute 2015.Cancer Staging.
Susan G. Komen 2019.Breast Cancer Stages and Staging.
