Stage 2 cancer refers to larger tumors or cancers that have grown more deeply into nearby tissue. In this stage, the cancer may have spread to the lymph nodes, but not to other parts of the body.
The stage of a cancer tells you the size of the original tumor or tumors and how much it’s spread. The grade of a tumor tells you how different the cancer cells are from normal tissue. After a biopsy or surgery, the cells from your tumor are sent to a laboratory to be studied by a pathologist.
Stage II cancer is determined in the five most common cancers in the following way: The tumor measures between 2 cm and 5 cm, or the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes under the arm on the same side as the breast cancer.
For example, a tumor that falls into the T2 category may further be defined as T2a or T2b. The grade of a tumor is different from the stage of a cancer. The stage of a cancer tells you the size of the original tumor or tumors and how much it’s spread.
Stage II cancer refers to larger tumors or cancers that have grown more deeply into nearby tissue. In this stage, the cancer may have spread to the lymph nodes, but not to other parts of the body. At Cancer Treatment Centers of America ® (CTCA), our cancer experts recognize that stage II cancer is a complex disease. We use a variety of sophisticated tests and procedures to measure the stage of the disease, and to design a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your diagnosis and individual needs.
Stage 2 cancers are typically larger than stage 1 cancers and/or have spread to nearby lymph nodes. Like stage 1 cancers, stage 2 cancers are typically treated with local therapies such as surgery or radiation therapy. Stage 2 cancer is determined in the five most common cancers in the following way:
In non-small cell lung cancers, which account for more than 80 percent of lung cancer diagnoses, stage 2 means the cancer may have spread to nearby lymph nodes or into the chest wall. Learn more about lung cancer stages.
Stage 2 breast cancer. The tumor measures between 2 cm and 5 cm, or the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes under the arm on the same side as the breast cancer. The cancer cells have spread beyond the original location and into the surrounding breast tissue, and a tumor may be detected during a breast self-exam as a hard lump.
The spread of the cancer. The possibility the cancer has spread beyond the brain or central nervous system. In grade 2 brain cancer, the tumor grows slowly but may spread into nearby tissues or recur.
Some cancers, such as blood cancers, and brain and spinal cord tumors, use different staging systems. For instance, brain cancer is usually graded rather than staged, based on factors including: The size and location of the tumor. The type of tissues or cells affected.
Cancer has grown through the outermost layer of the colon or rectum and may have grown through it and into nearby organs or tissues. It has not spread to the lymph nodes or distant organs. Learn more about colorectal cancer stages.
Anaplasia is defined as the loss of cellular differentiation, irregularities of the size and shape of the nucleus, and the loss of normal tissue structure. In clinical specimens, anaplasia is recognized by a loss of organization and a significant increase in nuclear size with evidence of ongoing proliferation.
Tumor (biologic) markers are substances produced by both benign and malignant cells that are found either in or on the tumor cells or in the blood, spinal fluid, or urine. Tumor markers may include hormones, enzymes, genes, antigens, and antibodies.
Sulfur dioxide is produced by power plants burning oil and coal, copper smelting, and paper mills. These sources are major factors in lung and other respiratory tract cancers. A family history is not considered a risk factor since these cancers are generally affected by environmental rather than genetic factors.
Screen individuals at high risk for cancer. ANS: D. Screening and identifying individuals at high risk for cancer are ways tumor markers can be used. These markers are not used to definitively diagnosis or treat cancer and are not useful in predicting specific sites of cancer development.
Pain is generally associated with the late stages of cancer. Pressure, obstruction, invasion of a structure sensitive to pain, stretching, tissue destruction, and inflammation can cause pain. Pain is not the initial symptom of cancer nor does it indication that the cancer has metastasized.
Inherited mutations that predispose to cancer are almost invariably in tumor-suppressor genes. At present, no research supports the other options as factors related to how inherited mutations cause cancer.
autocrine stimulation is the ability of cancer cells to: secrete growth factors that stimulate their own growth. apoptosis is: normal mechanism for cells to self-destruct when growth is excessive. many cancers create a mutation of ras. ras is a (an): intracellular-signaling protein that regulates cell growth.
hormones, enzymes, antigens and antibodies that are produced by cancer cells. the function of the tumor cell marker is to: screen individuals at high risk for cancer.
two "hits" are required to inactivate tumor-suppressor genes because: each allele must be altered, and each person has two copies, or alleles of each gene: one from each parent. the ras gene converts from a proto-oncogene to an oncogene by: altering one or more nucleotide base pairs.