Throat Cancer Stages
Stage I, II, and some stage III cancers are referred to as early stage. At these
stages, the cancer is small, localized and can typically be treated with surgery or
radiation therapy.
Throat Cancer Stage I
The cancer is no more than 2 centimeters (about 1 inch) and has not spread to lymph
nodes in the area.
Throat Cancer Stage II
The cancer is more than 2 centimeters, but less than 4 centimeters (less than 2 inches)
and has not spread to lymph nodes in the area.
Throat Cancer Stage Stage III
The cancer is considered “early” if it is small and the single involved node
can be removed or irradiated with high probability of cure. Stage III cancers that are
more extensive than this are considered locally advanced.
Throat Cancer Stage Stage III
The cancer is more than 4 centimeters, or it is any size with spread to only one lymph
node on the same side of the neck as the primary cancer. The lymph node containing the
cancer can measure no more than 3 centimeters (just over 1 inch).
Throat Cancer Stage IV
The cancer has spread to tissues around the lip and mouth. The lymph nodes may or may
not contain cancer or the cancer is any size and has spread to more than one lymph node on
the same side of the neck as the cancer, to lymph nodes on one or both sides of the neck
or to any lymph node that measures more than 6 centimeters (over 2 inches). |