Oncological Staging

Oncological staging is a system used by doctors to describe the size, location, and spread of cancer in the body. It helps determine how advanced the cancer is, which guides treatment options and helps predict outcomes. Staging uses specific criteria to classify cancer from early (localized) stages to more advanced stages where it may have spread to other parts of the body. Common staging systems include TNM (Tumor, Node, Metastasis), evaluating the tumor's size, whether nearby lymph nodes are affected, and if the cancer has spread elsewhere. Accurate staging is crucial for developing the most effective treatment plan.