Vulvar Cancer Staging
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Vulvar Cancer Staging
Vulvar cancer staging helps your doctor understand the extent to which the disease is affecting the body. Vulvar cancer stages are often based on the classifications described by the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) and the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNM system. The process evaluates three important factors: primary tumor growth (T), regional lymph node spread (N) and distant metastasis (M). These factors are then grouped to determine the stage of a patient's vulvar cancer.
Vulvar Cancer Stages
Stage IA - The tumor has not grown deeper than 1 mm into underlying tissue (T1a).
Stage IB - The tumor has grown deeper than 1 mm into underlying tissue (T1b).
Stage IVA - Either the lymph nodes on both sides of the groin are affected by the cancer (N2) and/or the cancer has moved into nearby tissues such as the upper part of the urethra, bladder, rectum, or pelvic bone. The cancer has not spread to distant sites.
Stage IVB - The disease has spread to distant organs (M1) or lymph nodes (N2).
Stage 0 Vulvar Cancer - Indicates an early-stage cancer found on the surface of the vulva, and is also commonly referred to as "carcinoma in situ" or "Bowen disease."
Stage I Vulvar Cancer - The cancer is growing in the vulva and/or the perineum (the area between the anus and the opening of the vagina). The cancer has not spread to lymph or elsewhere in the body. The tumor measures 2 cm or less in diameter (T1).
Stage II Vulvar Cancer - The tumor is larger than 2 cm in diameter (T2) and the cancer is growing in either the vulva or perineum or both.
Stage III Vulvar Cancer - The cancer has spread to the anus, vagina or lower urethra. In addition, the cancer has moved into the nearby lymph nodes on either side of the groin (N1). The cancer has not spread to distant sites in the body.
Stage IV Vulvar Cancer - This is most advanced stage of vulvar cancer and may be subdivided into two classes:
Recurrent - The term "recurrent" applies to vulvar cancers that return, even after successful treatments.
Treatment Possibilities for Vulvar Cancer at CTCA
The stage of the vulvar cancer at the time of diagnosis is a starting point for determining the most appropriate way to approach treatment. At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), our cancer experts are here to offer you a personalized treatment plan regardless of what stage you are facing. We take your needs and desires into account and empower you with information to make treatment decisions that are right for you.
When you're ready to learn more, call 800-615-3055 or Chat Now to talk with one of our Oncology Information Specialists. Our representatives are available 24 hours a day, every day of the week. We're ready to help, at any stage.
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