Stage 1 sarcoma describes a tumor that is relatively small and has not spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant sites in the body.
Detailed Explanation of Stage 1 Sarcoma
Specifically, Stage 1 sarcoma is defined as follows:
- The tumor is 5 cm (approximately 2 inches) or smaller.
- The tumor can be either superficial (close to the surface) or deep within the tissue.
- Critically, the sarcoma has not spread to nearby lymph nodes or to other parts of the body (no metastasis).
Because the sarcoma is localized and relatively small in Stage 1, treatment is often more successful than in later stages. Treatment typically involves surgery to remove the tumor. Depending on the type of sarcoma and its characteristics (e.g., grade), radiation therapy or chemotherapy may also be recommended.
It's important to remember that sarcoma staging is complex, and an oncologist will consider various factors, including the size, location, grade (how abnormal the cells look under a microscope), and specific type of sarcoma, to determine the precise stage and best treatment plan.
