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I post this now and again. If there are any changes of late let me know. I think this is a good brief guide to what staging is and what grading is. Hope this helps all ,
GRADING AND STAGING OF BLADDER CANCER
What is meant by “staging and grading” a tumor?
If bladder cancer is diagnosed, the doctor needs to know the stage, or extent, of the disease to plan the best treatment. Staging is a careful attempt to find out whether the cancer has invaded the bladder wall, whether the disease has spread, and if so, to what parts of the body. Grade refers to what the cancer cells look like, and how many cells are multiplying. The higher the grade, the more uneven the cells are and the more cells are multiplying. Knowing the grade can help your doctor predict how fast the cancer will grow and spread.
Back to TopWhat are the different “stages” for a bladder cancer tumor?
Stage suggests the location of the tumor in relation to the inner lining of the bladder. The higher the stage the further the tumor has grown away from its original site on the surface. The following are the stages for bladder tumors:
T0: No tumor
Ta: Papillary tumor without invading the bladder wall
TIS (CIS): Carcinoma in situ (non-invasive flat high-grade (G3) cancer)
T1: Tumor invades the connective tissue under the surface lining
T2: Tumor invades the muscle layer
T3: Tumor penetrates the bladder wall and invades the
surrounding fat layer
T4 Tumor invades other organs (i.e., prostate, uterus, vagina, pelvic wall)What are the different “grades” for a bladder cancer tumor?
Grade is expressed as a number between 1 (low) and 3 (high, i.e. G3); the higher the number the less the tumor resembles a normal cell. In lieu of numbers to grade a bladder cancer tumor, your doctor may refer to the tumor simply as low or high grade.National Comprehensive Cancer Network, a consortium of the 20 Top Cancer Treatment centers in the country.
Their phone number is (813) 615-4261
Kiowa
“All the world’s a stage…” Oh, but I guess that’s different.
But to add to the above, generally anything up to and including T1 is considered non-muscle invasive (“superficial”, though no one likes that term anymore) and typically treated with TURBT and immuno or chemo therapy intravesically. Anything T2 or higher is muscle invasive and typically treated with radical cystectomy and a diversion (though on rare occasions in special circumstances chemo and/or radiation may be an alternative for the very few). Of course, every case is assessed by the specialist and proper treatment is their call in consultation with the patient, although second opinions at a major cancer centre by cutting-edge specialists are sometimes an excellent idea. Certainly saved my life though not my bladder! Given the choice, however, I’m glad to have my life.
The TNM rating shows the Tumor (as above), Node involvement (Nx,N0,N1,N2,N3), distant Metastasis (M0, M1). The lower case “p” in front of the T means it is pathologically proven (could also be “y” if chemotherapy involved, or “r” if recurrence after disease free period). So, for example, I was pT2bN0M0. Aren’t you now just that much more knowledgeable?
Have a high grade day at this stage!
Thanks for the additional info, Greg, and for the confusion. Well, got to be on stage in a minute. Act II, or stage II, I forgot.
Kiowa
As long as you get your act together. Because at this stage, you’ve got a failing grade. But I jest.
And cancer is a serious disease. Thankfully, we can make silly jokes and choose to laugh at ourselves on occasion. I know I should grow up – but we’ve had that debate before! I’m past that stage and grade.
I applaud you both for posting and adding comments to this extremely important information. I might add that every patient should be equipped with is information to insure they are being treated appropriately. If you do not have a copy of your pathology report, I recommend you get a copy. If you do not unerstand the report just email to me. We at BCC will get you the layman’s version from a pathologist who just happens to be a member here.
Jack
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