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Cancer staging describes the extent of cancer in your body. Healthcare providers base cancer stages on factors like tumor size and whether it’s spread to other areas.
Blood levels of tumor markers: For some cancers, the blood levels of certain substances (called tumor markers or biomarkers) can affect the stage of the cancer. For example, in prostate cancer, the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood is taken into account in assigning a stage.
Keeping track of your lab results lets your doctor take action as soon as your blood counts change to help prevent many cancer-related problems and cancer treatment side effects. The two most common types of lab tests are the complete blood count (CBC) and the chemistry panel or metabolic profile.
Stage refers to the extent of your cancer, such as how large the tumor is and if it has spread. Knowing the stage of your cancer helps your doctor. understand how serious your cancer is and your chances of survival. plan the best treatment for you.
Stage I means the cancer is small and only in one area. This is also called early-stage cancer. Stage II and III mean the cancer is larger and has grown into nearby tissues or lymph nodes.
Most cancers are assigned one of four stages, ranging from 1 to 4, with the lowest stage describing early and small tumors and the higher stages categorizing cancers that have progressed and spread. Doctors may use Roman numerals for each stage instead of numbers, but they mean the same thing.
Samples taken for cancer blood tests are tested in a lab for signs of cancer. When viewed under a microscope, the samples may show the actual cancer cells. Other blood tests might find proteins or other substances made by the cancer.