Staging of Cancer for Appropriate Treatment

A cancer diagnosis may feel like a death sentence, especially in the beginning when a patient feels like the information is coming to them so fast and furious. There is so much to consider and it can be challenging to disseminate information. But the truth of the matter is that - especially in this day and age - a cancer diagnosis is most definitely not a death sentence. Our technology and our ability to fight and even cure cancer has come a long way and there is so much that can be done for those who have been diagnosed, especially if they are working with a team that is committed to cutting-edge technology and treatment techniques.

Once a diagnosis is made, a cancer team will do the tests necessary to then determine the patient’s stage of cancer which is ultimately incredibly important for tailoring the appropriate treatment. Staging determines how aggressive and severe their particular cancer is, as well as how far the cancer has spread from the initial location. Staging helps the oncology team determines how aggressive the treatment must be to appropriately treat the cancer, as well as where specifically to target that treatment. Staging can also ultimately determine the patient’s prognosis.

Stage 1 often describes a cancer that is still localized in its original location. Higher stages 2 and 3 indicate larger or multiple cancer tumors, as well as cancer that has spread beyond its original location to nearby lymph nodes, tissues, or organs. Stage 4 cancer refers to cancer that has spread to distant parts of the body from its original location.

The stage of cancer is determined through physical exams, lab tests in which blood, urine, tissues, and other fluids are tested for more information, through imaging such as x-ray, CT scan, PET scan, and MRI to show the location of the tumor and to determine if the cancer has spread, and through surgical and pathological reports.

Once staging is determined, an oncology team can determine the best course of treatment so as to best find success in eliminating the cancer. Staging is a very important part of the cancer treatment journey and something that should be embraced as a crucial part of a successful therapy plan.

About the author:

The Las Colinas Cancer Center is located on the service road of HWY 161 and Las Colinas Boulevard near the Regions Bank. We are located just across the Highway from the Las Colinas Medical Center. We designed the Las Colinas Cancer Center with our patients in mind. Our experienced and trained medical staffs is attentive to detail and our center offers the most advanced cancer fighting technology available in North Texas including on-site PET & CT Scanning. The physicians on staff at our Las Colinas location are Dr. Gregory Echt, Dr. Neeraja Dasari, Dr. James Mackey, and Dr. Kiran Kancharla. Visit www.lascolinascancercenter.com to know more.

Lascolinascancercenter.com located on the service road of Hwy 161 and Las Colinas Boulevard near the Regions Bank. We are located just across the Highway from the Las Colinas Medical Center.