Stage IV lung cancer from symptoms to diagnosis | Jaymie shares the beginning of her cancer story.
- Distant metastasis: Cancer has spread beyond its original location and to distant organs or tissues. This is often referred to as metastatic cancer.
- Advanced disease: The tumor is typically larger and may be growing more aggressively.
- Prognosis: Stage 5 cancer is often associated with a poorer prognosis (outlook) than earlier stages. However, this can vary depending on the specific type of cancer and other factors.
It’s important to note that staging systems can vary depending on the specific type of cancer. Doctors typically use the TNM system to stage cancer, which considers factors like the size of the tumor (T), lymph node involvement (N), and metastasis (M). Stage 5 cancer usually falls under M1, which indicates metastasis to distant organs.
Here are some resources for more information about cancer staging:
- American Cancer Society: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/diagnosis-staging/staging.html
- National Cancer Institute: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/diagnosis-staging
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with cancer, it’s important to speak with a doctor to understand the specific stage and treatment options.