Cancer occurs when abnormal cells divide uncontrollably, and these cells can invade nearby tissues. Body imaging refers to technologies that let doctors view the inside of the body to locate the disease. Cancer staging determines the amount and location of cancer in the body. Here is more information about how doctors use body imaging in the process of determining the stage of cancer a patient has:
Understanding Cancer Staging
When doctors diagnose a patient with cancer, they need to know how far the disease has spread. Body imaging provides pictures of the inside of the body, and these images reveal if the cancer has moved to other parts, or metastasized. If the doctor sees a tumor, they assess its size and reach. These scans can help doctors plan surgeries or other treatments.
Defining Cancer Stages
Most providers use the TNM system to describe the spread. T stands for tumor size, N describes the lymph nodes, and M stands for metastasis. Once the categories are determined, the information is combined to assign an overall stage. Although systems vary, the numbers usually range from zero to four, and this scale is standard globally.
The stages generally follow this breakdown:
- Stage 0: Abnormal cells are present but have not spread to nearby tissue.
- Stage I, II, and III: Cancer is present, and the higher the number, the larger the tumor.
- Stage IV: The cancer has spread to distant parts of the body.
To further differentiate the stages of cancer, some doctors may apply a letter rating to the stage. The letter “A” typically denotes a less advanced sub-stage, while “B” or “C” indicates a greater tumor size or more extensive involvement of nearby lymph nodes. These letters act as clinical modifiers that help oncologists differentiate between patients; patients may both be in stage II but face different prognosis levels.
Using Imaging Techniques
CT scans use X-rays to take detailed pictures, and they create cross-sectional images of the body. Because soft tissues are hard to see on regular X-rays, doctors prefer MRIs for certain images. These scans provide high-resolution images. While CT scans are fast, MRIs provide more detail, and they do not use radiation.
A PET scan uses a radioactive tracer to find disease. The tracer collects in areas with higher chemical activity, which usually corresponds to diseased spots. Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images, and it works well for soft tissues.
X-rays are another common tool. They create images of the inside of the body using a small dose of radiation. If the doctor suspects lung issues, an X-ray is the first step. Because they are quick, x-rays are common, and they provide immediate answers.
Knowing Your Status
Staging guides the treatment plan, as different stages may require different levels of treatment. Advanced stages might require chemotherapy, and these treatments affect the whole body. If the disease is early-stage, surgery might be the best option. Because the stage dictates the therapy, accuracy is necessary, and doctors spend time verifying the results.
Learn More About Body Imaging
Accurate staging dictates the path of treatment. Imaging plays a huge role in this process, and it helps doctors see what is happening inside. Because cancer is complex, having detailed pictures is necessary for the best care. If you want to learn more about body imaging and how it helps get accurate cancer staging results, consult an imaging professional near you.
