Brain cancer stages, from beginning to end

One of the considerations doctors consider in determining treatment for brain cancer is the stage or stage you are suffering from. The stage or stage of the disease shows the development of the cancer or tumor you have. The progression of the disease is divided into four levels, which are better known as stage 1, 2, 3 or 4 brain cancer. So, how do each of these stages explain?

Brain cancer staging system

Brain cancer is a condition when a malignant brain tumor grows and develops in the central nervous system, namely the brain. These tumors can grow and originate in the brain (primary brain cancer) or are the result of spread from cancer in other parts of the body (secondary brain cancer).

Although both are called cancer, this disease has different properties from other types of cancer. The reason is, brain cancer can spread to various tissues in the brain, but primary brain cancer can very rarely spread outside the brain or away from the central nervous system, including the spinal cord.

Due to this difference, the determination of the level of brain cancer is different from other types of cancer. If the stage for most types of cancer is determined based on the location of the growth of cancer cells, tumor size, lymph node involvement, and spread to other organs in the body, the grade of brain cancer is determined based on how aggressive the tumor cells look under a microscope.

In addition, the Cancer Treatment Centers of America said, doctors also assess the growth and development of tumor cells in the brain by looking at the characteristics of the tumor and its effect on brain function. Factors used to assess the progression of a brain tumor or cancer include:

• Size and location.
• The type of tissue or cells affected.
• Resectability (possibly a tumor that can be removed, either partially or completely).
• Spread of cancer in the brain or spinal cord.
• It is possible that the cancer has spread to the brain or central nervous system.

The doctor will also complete the assessment with the age and symptoms of brain cancer that appear in the sufferer. Based on these stages and factors, doctors can determine the most appropriate type of brain cancer treatment.

Explanation of the level or stage of brain cancer

Based on the above provisions, doctors divide the progression of brain cancer into four levels or stages, starting from stage 1 to stage 4. The higher the number, the worse the condition you have. The following is an explanation of each stage:

Stage I

Stage 1 or I brain tumor disease is included in the initial stage, with characteristics or signs, namely tumor cells that grow and develop slowly.

Apart from being benign, these tumor cells also look identical to healthy cells when examined under a microscope. A brain tumor at this level can very rarely spread to other nearby tissues.

Some types of brain tumors that go into stage 1 brain cancer may not have any symptoms for some time, so treatment may not be needed. However, some other patients may experience symptoms and require immediate treatment, which generally involves surgical removal of the entire tumor.

Stage II

The characteristics of stage 2 brain cancer, namely tumor cells that are still growing slowly, but may spread to nearby tissues or tumor cells come back after treatment (to a higher degree). When viewed under a microscope, these tumor cells also look a little abnormal.

Symptoms of brain cancer at this stage can vary, depending on the cells or brain tissue that are affected, while the main treatment at this stage is surgical removal of the tumor.

Stage III

Unlike the two previous stages, stage 3 (III) brain tumors are already malignant so that they are classified as cancer, with characteristics, namely the rapid growth of tumor cells, can spread to nearby tissues, and can return after undergoing treatment. When viewed under a microscope, tumor cells will look different (abnormal) from healthy cells in general.

Just like other stages of brain cancer, stage 3 of this disease can cause symptoms that may vary, with different ways of treating. The treatment at this stage generally includes surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Stage IV

Stage 4 (IV) brain cancer is the final stage in this disease, with the following characteristics:

• The development of tumor cells is very fast (most malignant).
• It can spread easily to nearby tissues in the brain or sometimes to the spinal cord.
• Actively reproduces abnormal cells.
• Tumor cells look very different (abnormal) under a microscope.
• The tumor forms new blood vessels to maintain rapid growth.
• Tumors have areas of dead tissue or cells called necrosis.
• Can return after undergoing treatment.

Treatment and drugs at this final stage are generally radiotherapy and chemotherapy. This treatment procedure is generally given to control the growth of tumor cells for as long as possible, relieve symptoms, and improve quality of life.

The chances of curing brain cancer patients based on stage

The higher the staging number you have, the more severe the condition you have. However, no matter what stage you have, the disease you suffer from can still be life threatening, especially if not treated immediately.

Therefore, if you feel any symptoms or changes in yourself, you should immediately see a doctor to find out a diagnosis from a doctor and get the right treatment.

If the brain tumor is diagnosed early, namely at stage 1 or 2, it is more likely to recover than if it is known to have entered the final stage or at stage 3 or 4 cancer.