The Stages Of Breast Cancer

It may start with a self examination, or perhaps when the results from your mammogram are in. Sometimes it begins as a result of illness or a trip to the doctor because your energy is low. Being told that you have breast cancer always has a beginning. The type of beginning can have a direct impact on your stage of cancer, type of treatment and your rate of survival.

When your fears are confirmed with the words "you have breast cancer" it is important that you become engaged in the next steps. Understanding the different stages of breast cancer will help you make decisions when discussing treatment plans with your doctor.

Stage 0 presents abnormal cells within the breast. This stage is identified by two types of cancer. Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is identified when the abnormal cells are found in the lining of a breast duct. DCIS can become invasive and spread to other tissues. Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) is identified when the abnormal cells are found in the lobules of the breast. LCIS seldom becomes invasive.

A diagnosis of Stage I means that cancer has formed and is contained within the breast. A tumor at Stage I is less than 2 centimeters in size.

Stage II is categorized by A and B. In Stage IIA there is no tumor in the breast but cancer is found in the lymph nodes under the armpits; a tumor 2 centimeters or smaller is found within the breast and the cancer is located in the lymph nodes under the armpits; or a tumor is found in the breast between the sizes of 2 and 5 centimeters and cancer is not found in the lymph nodes. Stage IIB indicates a tumor within the breast between 2 and 5 centimeters and cancer present in the lymph nodes under the armpits or a tumor larger than 5 centimeters with no cancer found in the lymph nodes under the armpits.

Breast cancer in Stage III are broken into category A, B and C as follows:

* Stage IIIA may have no tumor in the breast but cancer has spread from the lymph nodes under the armpits to attached nodes or lymph nodes near the breastbone; a tumor smaller than 2 centimeters is found with cancer located in lymph nodes under the armpits, attached nodes or lymph nodes near the breastbone; a tumor between 2 and 5 centimeters or larger is found with the similar spread of cancer within the lymph nodes.

* Stage IIIB indicates a tumor of any size and cancer that may be present in the lymph nodes under the armpits, attached nodes and nodes near the breastbone. Cancer will be found in the chest wall and/or the skin of the breast in this stage level.

* Stage IIIC includes incidents with no tumor in the breast or a tumor of any size in the breast. With Stage IIIC the cancer has spread to lymph nodes above or below the collarbone and may have spread to the lymph nodes under the armpits, attached nodes and nodes near the breastbone. Stage IIIC breast cancer may be operable or inoperable. If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes above the collarbone it is considered inoperable cancer.

The diagnosis of Stage IV cancer means that the cancer has spread to other organ systems in the body to include lungs, liver, brain or bones.

The stages of breast cancer highlights the importance of early detection. Take control of your life today and schedule an appointment for a mammogram. A proactive approach may save your life.