The T, N and M ratings are combined in the process of stage grouping and expressed as roman numerals, 0-IV. According the American Cancer Society, the stage groupings for gallbladder cancer are as follows:
- Stage 0 Gallbladder Cancer: The cancer is found only in the innermost layer (the epithelial) of the gallbladder and has not spread to lymph nodes or elsewhere in the body. (Example Grouping: Tis, N0, M0)
- Stage I Gallbladder Cancer: Still localized within the gallbladder, the tumor has penetrated into other layers (the lamina propria, muscle layer, or the permimuscula fibrous tissue). (Example Grouping: T1, N0, M0)
- Stage II Gallbladder Cancer: The cancer has grown within the gallbladder and has either penetrated nearby organs, like the liver, or has spread to local lymph nodes. (In Stage IIB, the cancer has also spread to nearby lymph nodes.) (Example Grouping: T3, N0, M0)
- Stage III Gallbladder Cancer: The cancer has spread into the main portal vein, the common hepatic artery, or to other blood vessels connected to the liver. The cancer may or not have spread to nearby organs or lymph nodes. (Example Grouping: T4, N0 or 1, M0)
- Stage IV Gallbladder Cancer: Tumors have spread to distant organs or tissues. (Example Grouping: Any T, any N, M1)
Source:
Cancer Treatment Centers of America http://www.cancercenter.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment