Staging Criteria

Staging criteria are a set of standardized guidelines used by doctors to determine how advanced a cancer is. They evaluate factors like tumor size, whether the cancer has spread nearby or to other parts of the body, and the involvement of lymph nodes. This helps classify the cancer into stages (usually I through IV), which indicates the severity and spread. Accurate staging guides treatment decisions and helps predict outcomes. In essence, staging provides a clear picture of the cancer’s extent, facilitating better planning and communication between healthcare providers and patients.