The combination of T, N, and M categories provides an overall stage, ranging from Stage 0 to Stage IV:
Stage 0: Carcinoma in situ, meaning the cancer is localized and has not invaded neighboring tissues. Stage I: Early-stage cancer, usually small and localized. Stage II: Larger tumors or cancers that have spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes. Stage III: More advanced cancer with greater local spread and lymph node involvement. Stage IV: Metastatic cancer, which has spread to distant organs or tissues.
