How does one quantify the stage and severity of cancer?
Quantifying the stage and severity of cancer involves several key steps:
Staging: This process determines the extent of cancer spread in the body. Common staging systems include TNM (Tumor, Node, Metastasis) and the Roman numeral system (I-IV). Grading: Pathologists examine cancer cells under a microscope to determine their grade, which indicates how much the cells differ from normal cells. Grades usually range from 1 to 3 or 4. Biomarkers: These are substances found in blood, urine, or tissues that can be measured to assess cancer progression. Examples include PSA for prostate cancer and CA-125 for ovarian cancer.
