Not all of these tests and procedures will be required for all women. We will select the appropriate tests based on your specific circumstances.
The following stages may be identified:
• DCIS STAGE 0 (ductal carcinoma in situ). Cancer cells are confined within the breast ducts, unable to spread. LCIS ( lobular carcinoma in situ) is not cancer, despite the name.
• STAGE IA/IB : Cancer cells invade the walls of duct or lobule, but the total size is under 2 cm, cells have not spread to lymph nodes.
• STAGE IIA/IIB: Cancers larger than 2 cm in size that have not progressed to nodes or penetrated the chest muscle; Cancers less than 5 cm in size that have migrated to 1 to 3 axillary (armpit) lymph nodes.
• STAGE IIIA/IIIB: Cancers of any size that have spread to four or more axillary (armpit) lymph nodes, the nodes around the collarbone, and/or the nodes beneath the sternum (internal mammary nodes); cancers larger than 5 cm that have migrated to any nodes; and tumors that have grown through the chest wall.
• STAGE IV: Cancer has spread to other organs or distant nodes from the breast and adjacent nodes. The most prevalent areas of involvement are the lung, liver, brain, and bones.
For more information, consult Dr. Rajinder Kaur Saggu one of the best Breast Surgeon in Delhi.