Once the values for T, N and M have been worked out, they are combined to give an overall score between 1 and 4. Your doctor may write these as Roman numerals: I, II, III and IV.
Staging is complicated but in broad terms cancers may be described as:
It is important to know that staging of salivary gland cancer may not accurately predcit the chance of cure. This is partly because the chance of cure, often depends on the type of salivary gland cancer and its grade. One type of salivary gland cancer called adenoid cystic cancer commonly spreads to the lungs, but patients with this type of cancer may for live many years without any problems. Other high-grade salivary gland cancers are more difficult to treat once they have spread to other parts of the body. It is important that you discuss the stage of your cancer with your doctor to understand what it means for you.
The chance of cure depends on both the type of cancer and the stage. It is important to know that most patients with advanced salivary gland cancer (even stage III or IV) can be cured.
Loading...