How to Know the Stages of Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer is a highly treatable disease that affects the thyroid gland, which is located in the neck just under the Adam's apple. There are 3 major stages for thyroid cancer, as well as three types identified by the letters 'T', 'N' and 'M.' The 'T' stands for tumor, the 'N' for lymph nodes and the 'M' for metastasis.

Instructions

• 1

  Know that the stages of thyroid cancer are based on a system developed by the American Joint Committee on Cancer. The tumor stage is earliest stage, the lymph node stage is a progression and metastasis is the latest stage.

• 2

  Understand the 'T,' or tumor, stage. In this stage, a tumor can be detected, but it has not spread to other parts of the body. Tumors can range from less than 2 cm to more than 4 cm. In the latter parts of the T stage, the tumor may begin growing toward the spine.

• 3

  Research the 'N,' or lymph node, stage. In this stage, the cancer has spread from a tumor to the lymph nodes. As this stage progresses, the cancer spreads from the cervical lymph nodes to the upper mediastinal lymph nodes.

• 4

  Understand the final stage of thyroid cancer, designated with an 'M,' for metastasis. In this stage, the cancer spreads from the lymph nodes to the rest of the body, including the bones and internal organs.

• 5

  Pay attention to which stage--Roman numerals I to IV--your cancer is in and speak with your doctor about the meaning of the stage. Five-year survival rates are excellent for stages I and II and remain high for stage III cancers. Survival rates dip to less than 50 percent for all stage IV thyroid cancers.

• 6

  Try your best to eat healthily leading up to your thyroid cancer treatment. It's believed that a healthier diet will help you avoid potential side effects following certain treatments.

• 7

  Recognize that depending on the type of thyroid cancer you have and your age, the stages will differ. Consult with your oncologist or doctor to better understand the differences between the stages.