Breast Cancer Staging

Breast cancer staging is a way to describe the extent of cancer in the body. It typically involves assessing the size of the tumor, whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes, and whether it has metastasized to other organs. The most common staging system is the TNM system: "T" stands for tumor size, "N" for lymph node involvement, and "M" for metastasis. Staging is crucial for determining the best treatment options and predicting the patient’s prognosis, as higher stages indicate more advanced cancer. Overall, staging helps both patients and doctors make informed decisions about care.