Understanding Your Stage of Oral Cancer

The most commonly used system to stage oral cancer was developed by the American Joint Committee on Cancer.¹ This system defines cancers by the numbers 0 through IV. The lower the number, the better the outlook. The higher the number, the more advanced the cancer.²

Here’s a brief look at what the stages mean:

• Stage 0.   Abnormal cells are found in the lining of the lips and mouth. These cells could become cancer and spread. Stage 0 is also called carcinoma in situ.²

• Stage I.   A cancer less than 2 centimeters has formed. However, it has not spread to the lymph nodes or other places in the body.²

• Stage II.  The cancer is between 2 centimeters and 4 centimeters in size. The cancer has not spread.²

• Stage III. The tumor is larger than 4 centimeters. Or the cancer is smaller in size but has spread to nearby lymph nodes.²

• Stage IV.   The tumor is large or the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body.²

• Recurrent.   This means that the cancer has come back after it was treated. It may recur in the lip, mouth, or other areas of the body.²

Be sure to ask your doctor or dental professional to explain your cancer’s stage to you.³

¹ “What Is Cancer Staging?” American Joint Committee on Cancer, July 28, 2008. www.cancerstaging.org/mission/whatis.html Accessed 2008.

² “Lip and Oral Cavity Cancer Treatment (PDQ^®) Health Professional Version.” National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, May 22, 2008. www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/lip-and-oral-cavity/healthprofessional/allpages/print Accessed 2008.

³ “What Should You Ask Your Doctor About Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancer?” American Cancer Society, September 28, 2007. www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_5X_What_should_you_ask_your_physician_about_oral_cavity_and_oropharyngeal_cancer_60.asp?rnav=cri Accessed 2008.