Cancer diagnosis and staging are critical steps in understanding the type, extent, and aggressiveness of the disease. A proper diagnosis involves identifying the exact nature of the cancer cells, while staging determines how far the cancer has spread within the body. These steps guide treatment planning and help predict the patient’s outlook (prognosis).
When a patient presents with suspicious symptoms—such as unexplained lumps, fatigue, weight loss, bleeding, or persistent pain—doctors initiate a series of diagnostic tests to confirm or rule out cancer. Once cancer is confirmed, staging is done to assess its size, spread, and impact on organs or lymph nodes.
Biopsy – A sample of tissue is examined under a microscope to detect cancer cells.
Imaging Tests – Includes X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, PET scans, and ultrasounds to visualize tumors.
Blood Tests – Detect tumor markers or abnormal blood counts (e.g., PSA, CA-125, CBC).
Endoscopy – A flexible tube with a camera used to view internal organs (e.g., colonoscopy, bronchoscopy).
Genetic Testing – Analyzes DNA changes that may cause or drive cancer growth.
T (Tumor) – Size and extent of the primary tumor.
N (Nodes) – Involvement of nearby lymph nodes.
M (Metastasis) – Presence of cancer spread to distant organs.
Stage 0 – Precancerous or in situ (localized, not spread).
Stage I – Small and localized tumor.
Stage II & III – Larger tumor, possible spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes.
Stage IV – Advanced cancer that has spread to distant parts (metastatic cancer).