A term used in medicine to refer to a phase in the course of a disease, particularly in the progression of cancer.
Estimate of the extent of spread of a cancer; usually expressed in as a number, often with subdivisions. The prognosis of a particular cancer varies with the staging.
vb. (in oncology) to classify a primary tumour by its size and the presence or absence of metastases. In addition to clinical examination, a variety of imaging and surgical techniques may be employed to provide a more accurate assessment. Staging tumours is of importance in prognosis and defining appropriate treatment. See also TNM classification.
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