Cancer Staging Manual (AJCC)

The AJCC Cancer Staging Manual is a standardized guide used by healthcare professionals to describe the extent of cancer in a patient. It categorizes cancer based on factors like tumor size, whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes, and if it has metastasized to distant organs. This staging helps determine the severity of the disease, guides treatment decisions, and informs prognosis. Each type of cancer has specific staging criteria, ensuring a consistent approach to understanding and managing cancer across different medical settings.