Stage
Reference work entry
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-47648-1_5478
Definition
Referring to tumors, is an internationally agreed index which objectively measures the extent of tumour growth and progression. Common criteria include tumour size, extent of local spread, and presence of lymph node or visceral metastasis. Each tumour-type has its own staging system, with variations in the common criteria, which correlates with prognosis.
Copyright information
© Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg New York 2008