Disease Staging
Disease staging is a medical process used to determine the extent and severity of a disease, particularly in conditions like cancer. It helps healthcare providers understand how far the disease has progressed, which is crucial for planning treatment and predicting outcomes. Staging often involves imaging tests, biopsies, and other diagnostic tools.
The most common staging system for cancer is the TNM system, which evaluates Tumor size, Node involvement, and Metastasis to other parts of the body. Each stage provides a standardized way to communicate about the disease, guiding both treatment decisions and patient prognosis.