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What are the different stages of breast cancer?
Early stage breast cancer is when the disease is localized to the breast and
lymph nodes. (Lymph nodes are glands that are part of a system that helps the
body fight infections).
Stage 1 breast cancer is defined as a tumor that is smaller than or equal to
2 centimeters in diameter, and the underarm lymph nodes test negative for cancer.
Stage 2 breast cancer is defined as a tumor that is larger than 2 centimeters
in diameter, and the underarm lymph nodes test negative for cancer; or a tumor
that is less than or equal to 5 centimeters with underarm lymph nodes testing
positive for cancer.
Stage 3A breast cancer is defined as a tumor that is larger than 5
centimeters with lymph nodes testing positive for cancer, or a tumor that is any
size with cancerous lymph nodes that adhere to one another or surrounding
tissue.
Stage 3B breast cancer is a tumor of any size that has spread to the skin,
chest wall or internal mammary lymph nodes (located beneath the breast and
inside the chest).
Stage 4 breast cancer is defined as a tumor, regardless of size, that has
spread to places far away from the breast, such as bones or lungs. Recurrent
breast cancer is when the disease has returned in spite of initial treatment.
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