In need of an assessment for Cancer Staging?

Question

There are different stages for Cancer. If anyone could share an information on their understanding, I would just like to hear what others think. I was diagnosed with Malignant Melenoma that Metasis to my groin lymph nodes (started on my ankle). When I asked what stage I was at my Oncologist stated I was a 3A. Any opinions would be great whether personal or of someone you know. Thanks Deb

Answer 1

There are several types of staging, mainly clinical, pathological and restaging. The most recent system used is the one created by the Amercian Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) called the TNM system and stands for Tumor (to determine size of original tumor), Nodules (to determine if cancer has gone to nearby lymph nodes and #), and Metastasis (whether you have it or not). Within each of these, they are further classified by being assigned a specific # (all this of course done through all kinds of tests, exams I'm sure you've already had done requested by your onc.) based on how advanced your cancer is. Thus for example the T is classified from 0-4, N 1-3, and M X, 0 or 1 (mainly 0 being you have no metastasis anywhere else in your body and 1 you do have it). Depending on your classification, you will be at a certain stage. My mother-in-law was diagnosed with Metastatic Breast cance a month ago and thus my need for so much research. She was classified as follows: T4, N3, M1. With this classification, she is in Stage 4 Cancer-not good, last stage. (Staging goes from 0 to 4). I recommend you go to the American Cancer Society. By far the MOST complete website online for ALL cancers. Obviously the earlier you are at a stage (ex. 0 or 1), the greater your survival chances are. Good luck and God Bless!

Answer 2

tumor thickness is the single most important prognostic factor. ten year survival rate - related to thickness in mm- are as follows < . 76mm 96 %, .76-1.69 mm 81 %, 1.7-3.6 mm 57 % and > 3.6 mm 31 %, with node involvement the 5 year survival rate is 30 % and with distant metastasis is less than 10 %... i usually elaborate on my answer in other forum but cancer has never been one of my strongest suits... so ill leave this information to you... im sure you already have the best doctors taking care of you, i just hope you have a strong support from your friends and family... im sorry...

im an M.D.

Answer 3

check the staging section at
http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic257.htm

Although impossible to know without looking at the imaging(CT) done, I would guess your doctor is correct, and little need to worry about your doctor staging you incorrectly.
Staging can be wrong, but oncologists(and radiologists) are probably the best qualified to stage your cancer.