Definition of Staging

Staging: stagingDoing exams and tests to learn the extent of a cancer, especially whether it has spread from its original site to other parts of the body. The following stage numbers are typically used in staging:

• Stage ICancer cells are found only on the surface of the affected organ or area.
• Stage IICancer cells are found in the deeper tissues of the organ or area and have spread.
• Stage IIICancer cells are found in even deeper tissues and have spread to nearby lymph nodes or other nearby areas.
• Stage IVCancer cells are found throughout the organ or area and in nearby lymph nodes and/or have spread to other parts of the body.