Stages of cancer
Accurate determination of the cancer stage is the key to successful treatment at RheinRegio Klinik Zentrum
Determining the stage of cancer is a key stage of diagnosis, which affects the prognosis and choice of treatment tactics. The RheinRegio Klinik Zentrum uses the international TNM system and modern imaging techniques to accurately assess tumor extent. Our oncologists select therapy individually – from minimally invasive surgeries to innovative targeted therapy.
Diagnosis of cancer stages at the RheinRegio Klinik Zentrum
RheinRegio Klinik Zentrum uses high-precision methods:
- PET-CT – detects metastases from 4 mm in size.
- MRI with contrast – evaluates tumor growth into blood vessels and nerves.
- Biopsy of sentinel lymph nodes determines micrometastases.
- Molecular genetic tests – selection of targeted therapy (for example, for lung cancer with an EGFR mutation).
Important: 15% of patients with an initial diagnosis of stage IV receive a more optimistic prognosis after reviewing histology and PET-CT.
Each direction is supervised by advanced oncologists.
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Classification of cancer stages
TNM system
- T (Tumor) – size and location of the primary tumor:
- T1 – small formation (up to 2 cm), does not extend beyond the organ.
- T4 – the tumor grows into neighboring tissues or organs.
- N (Nodes) – damage to lymph nodes:
- N0 – no metastases.
- N3 – multiple metastases to distant lymph nodes.
- M (Metastasis) – distant metastases:
- M0 – none.
- M1 – yes (liver, lungs, bones, etc.).
Stages 0–IV
- Stage 0 (“cancer in place”) – atypical cells do not extend beyond the mucous membrane.
- Stage I – a small tumor without lymph node involvement (T1-2, N0, M0).
- Stage II – local spread (T2-3, N0-1, M0).
- Stage III – regional metastases (T1-4, N1-3, M0).
- Stage IV – distant metastases (any T and N, M1).
Treatment methods by stage
Early stages (0–II)
- Surgery:
- Laparoscopic and robotic surgeries (da Vinci).
- Organ-preserving techniques (for example, lumpectomy for breast cancer).
- Radiosurgery (CyberKnife) – for inoperable tumors.
Locally advanced cancer (III)
- Combination therapy:
- Chemoradiation treatment (for example, for rectal cancer).
- Immunotherapy (PD-1 inhibitors for melanoma).
Metastatic cancer (IV)
- Targeted drugs (for example, olaparib for BRCA mutations).
- Palliative care—pain control and quality of life maintenance.
Survival prognosis
Depends on the type of cancer and stage:
- Stage I breast cancer – 98% 5-year survival rate.
- Stage IV lung cancer – 5-10% (but with targeted therapy – up to 3 years of life).
Important: Even at stage IV, new methods (for example, immunotherapy) prolong life by years.
Conclusion
RheinRegio Klinik Zentrum uses innovative protocols to treat cancer at any stage. We combine accurate diagnosis with personalized solutions to give patients the best chance.
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Our clinics
The association of clinics RheinRegio Klinik Zentrum offers the organization of lymphoma treatment in Germany without intermediaries, providing access to the country’s leading oncology clinics. We combine advanced techniques, an individual approach and the highest level of medical care, giving hope even in difficult cases.
Why RheinRegio Klinik Zentrum?
- World-class experts – oncologists with experience in the USA and EU.
- Latest generation equipment – PET-MRI, TrueBeam linear accelerators.
- Personalized approach – treatment based on the genomic profile of the tumor.
- Clinical trials – access to the latest drugs (CAR-T cell therapy).
- Support at all stages – from diagnosis to rehabilitation.
