Classification of breast cancer stages
Based on the TNM classification, a division into different stages is then made, here according to the specifications of the UICC. The individual stages group together TNM combinations that have a similar prognosis: Stage classification Stage | T-class | N-class | M- Class Stadium 0 | Tis | N0 | M0 Stadium I | T1 | N0 | M0 Stadium IIA | T1 or T2 | N1 or N2 | M0 Stadium IIB | T2 or T3 | N1 or N0 | M0 Stadium IIIA | T0 or T1/T2/T3 | N2 or N1 and N2 | M0 Stage IIIB | T4 or every T | N1 and N2 or N3 | M0 Stage IV | every T | every N | M1 The classification makes it easier to make a statement about the chances of recovery and the prognosis.
Stage 1
Stage 1 is the stage that is associated with the best prognosis and healing expectation. Stage 1 is divided into stages 1A and 1B. Stage 1A describes a breast cancer which, according to all so-called “staging” examinations, does not spread, neither to regional and distant lymph nodes, nor to surrounding tissue or distant organs.
According to the TNM classification, this is called N0, which means that nothing was found in lymph nodes (“Nodus”). M0 describes that no metastases are found in other organs (“metastases”). Stage 1A also describes that the main tumour in the breast is smaller than 2 cm in extent. In contrast, stage 1B comprises smaller micrometastases in local lymph nodes located on the breast.
Stage 1: Life expectancy and chances of recovery
Life expectancy and the chances of recovery from stage 1 breast cancer are the highest. This tumour stage indicates that there is a tumour, but that it has not yet formed metastases. In consultation with the patient, it must be decided whether the breast should be removed together with the tumour in one operation or whether breast-conserving surgery should be performed.
Although the latter option involves a certain residual risk, this risk is reduced by a standard subsequent radiation treatment. Subsequently, a drug therapy with chemotherapeutic agents, antibodies and antihormones can be carried out, which reduces the risk of relapse. This therapy is mainly recommended for women under 35, but can sometimes cause severe side effects. The survival rate increases steadily with the newly developed therapy methods and is very good in stage 1. The survival rate is often given in 5 years or 10 years and in both cases in stage 1 is well over 90%.
Stage 2
Stage 2 describes a breast cancer that has grown larger, especially in the breast itself, and already has minimal metastases in nearby lymph nodes. It can again be divided into 2 partial stages, 2A and 2B. 2A comprises a tumour that either has initial metastases in the lymph nodes of the armpits or a tumour that is already 2-5 cm large in the breast. Under 2B tumors that combine both characteristics are described or a tumor that has not spread, but is already over 5 cm in size within the breast.
