Staging of Breast Cancer

Stage O

Very early breast cancer or preinvasive cancer. This type of cancer has NOT spread within or outside of your breast (also called in situ or noninvasive cancer).

Stage l

Tumor smaller than 2cm. (1 inch*). No cancer is found in the lymph nodes in the armpit, or outside the breast.

Stage ll

Tumor smaller than 2cm. (1 inch). Cancer is found in the lymph nodes in the armpit, OR

Tumor between 2 and 5 cm. (1 and 2 inches). Cancer may or may not be found in the lymph nodes in the armpit, OR

Tumor larger than 5cm. (2 inches). Cancer is not found in the lymph nodes in the armpit.

Stage lll

Tumor smaller than 5cm. (2 inches) with cancer also in the lymph nodes that are stuck together, OR

Tumor larger than 5cm. (2 inches), OR cancer is attached to other parts of the breast area including the chest wall, ribs, and muscles, OR

Inflammatory breast cancer. In this rare type of cancer, the skin of the breast is red and swollen.

Stage lV

Tumor has spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones, lungs, liver, or brain. *Cm. MEANS CENTIMETERS. ONE INCH EQUALS 2.5 CENTIMETERS. INCHES LISTED ABOVE ARE NOT EXACT MEASUREMENTS.

Adapted from "A Woman's Guide To Breast Cancer Diagnosis And Treatment" published by the California Department of Health Services and "The Breast Buddy Volunteer Training Curriculum", published by WIN Against Breast Cancer.