October 10, 2005 #2 -- SIDEBAR TWO

SIDE BAR TWO:

The Stages of Breast Cancer

Stage 0
Tumor Size:  Abnormal or precancerous cells found
Positive Lymph Nodes:   None
Metastasis:  None
          
Stage I
Tumor Size:   0-2 cm
Positive Lymph Nodes:   None
Metastasis:  None
       
Stage II
Tumor Size:   0-2 cm
Positive Lymph Nodes:   Yes
OR
Tumor Size:   2-5 cm
Positive Lymph Nodes:   Possible
OR
Tumor Size:   > 5 cm
Positive Lymph Nodes:   None
Metastasis:              None

Stage IIIA           
Tumor Size:   < 5 cm
Positive Lymph Nodes:   Yes/attached to each other or to other tissue
OR
Tumor Size:   > 5 cm
Positive Lymph Nodes:   Yes
Metastasis:   None

Stage IIIB
Tumor Size:   Spread into the chestwall or the skin of the breast
Positive Lymph Nodes:   Possible  
OR
Tumor Size:   Any size
Positive Lymph Nodes:   Yes-under the breastbone  
Metastasis:   None

Stage IIIB: Inflammatory   
Tumor Size:   Any size
Positive Lymph Nodes:   Yes. Lymph vessels blocked, causing red, swollen skin
Metastasis:   None

Stage IIIC   
Tumor Size:   Any size
Positive Lymph Nodes:   Yes-under breastbone and under the arm OR under or above collarbone
Metastasis:   None

Stage IV   
Distant metastatic cancer.  Tumor has spread to other parts of the body

Recurrent
Tumors have returned after treatment.  May recur locally (in the breast or chest wall) or in any other body part (such as bone, liver or lungs)

Source: National Cancer Institute


(c) 2005 Scene Publications--Reprinted with permission