What does “Stage 4” cancer mean in laymans terms?
Stage 1 cancer: the tumors generally measure smaller than two centimeters. There is no sign that the cancer has spread anywhere else in the body. Stage 2 cancer: the tumors generally measure two to five centimeters. During this stage it is still thought that the cancer has not spread any further. Stage 3 cancer: the tumors are fairly large and will measure more than five centimeters. The tumor may be attached to skin or muscle. Stage 4 cancer: the tumors can be any size. The cancer has spread to other regions of the body and there is secondary cancer. While finding out that you are in stage 4 cancer can be very shocking and frightening, however it is important information for your doctor to know. By knowing that you are in stage 4 cancer your doctor can decide what the most appropriate treatment for you is. A person with stage 1 will be treated differently than a patient in stage 4 cancer. Without this important information you may be given treatments which your cancer would not respon
