Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is staged to determine the extent of the cancer, and the RMS staging system has 4 stages, generally written as Roman numerals I, II, III, and IV. The higher the stage, the more advanced the cancer is.
Here's a breakdown of the RMS staging system:
- Stage I: Stage I rhabdomyosarcoma is a localized tumor that is likely to be completely removed with surgery.
- Stage II: Stage II rhabdomyosarcoma involves tumors that have spread to nearby lymph nodes or have certain features that make them more likely to recur.
- Stage III: Stage III rhabdomyosarcoma is a cancer that is either large or has spread to many nearby lymph nodes.
- Stage IV: Stage IV rhabdomyosarcoma is a cancer that has spread to distant parts of the body, such as the lungs, liver, or bones.
It's important to remember that staging helps doctors plan the best treatment strategy. Always consult with your child's doctor for any questions regarding staging or treatment plans.
