Understanding breast cancer begins with learning and understanding the different stages and grades of the disease.
Breast cancer is a disease in which the cells in breast tissue group together to form a malignant tumor. The affected cells in the tumor then spread to other areas of the body. The diagnosis of breast cancer is determined by the grade and stage of the disease. Stages are determined by the TNM system. The TNM system measures tumor size, lymph nodes and the spreading of cancer to other areas of the body. Grades are the measuring of cells under a microscope. These grades and stages are the determining factor in treatment options and detection.
Stage 0
This stage of breast cancer is commonly known as Ductal Carcinoma In Situ or DCIS. It is very curable since cancerous cells have remained in their original location, and is almost always curable with treatment.
Stage 1
Stage 1 is determined by tumor size. Tumor sizes in stage 1 are less than 1 inch or 2 centimeters, about the size of a pea. In this stage, the surrounding lymph nodes are not affected and the cancerous cells have not spread outside of the breast tissue.
Stage 2
In stage 2, the tumor has grown to approximately 2 to 5 centimeters or 2 inches, and is about the size of a peanut. During this stage, the lymph nodes in the armpit area are swollen and more noticeable, but the cancerous cells have not spread to other areas of the body. It is possible that a tumor is not present, and that only the lymph nodes in the armpit area are affected.
Stage 3
In stage 3, the tumor is about or slighter larger than 5 centimeters or 2 inches and is about the size of a strawberry. In this stage, the lymph nodes are affected and have grown into each other, resulting in thickening of the stroma. Stage 3 breast cancer is also called inflammatory breast cancer, in which it is possible that a tumor is not present, but lymph nodes near the throat or collar bone have become affected. Moreover, inflammatory breast cancer is often characterized by symptoms including swollen, reddened breasts and hardened, dimpled skin.
Stage 4
Stage 4 breast cancer is referred to as metastatic breast cancer. The cancerous cells have spread to other areas of the body, including major organs like the liver and kidneys and also to the bones. This stage of breast cancer is deadly, with little chance of survival.
Grade 1
Grade 1 is referred to as low grade, in which the cancerous cells resemble normal cells and the chance of spreading to other areas of the boy are minimal.
Grade 2 and 3
Grade 2 is a moderate grade in which the cells are able to replicate and spread faster than grade 1. Cells in grade 2 also resemble normal cells like those of grade 1.
Grade 3 is a high grade. The cells in this grade are very abnormal and have a higher rate of replication and spreading.
Tags: lymph nodes, cancerous cells, other areas, areas body, breast cancer