TED-Ed: How do doctors determine what stage of cancer you have? | Hyunsoo Joshua No and Trudy Wu

The video explains the complexity of cancer staging, focusing on the TNM system, which assesses tumor size, lymph node involvement, and metastasis. It highlights how TNM combinations determine overall cancer stages, which vary by cancer type. Recent advancements in treatment and genetic testing have refined staging, offering better outcomes and hope for patients.

What is the purpose of cancer staging?

What are the three variables that inform a cancer's stage?

How do doctors determine the T designation in cancer staging?

What does M staging indicate in cancer diagnosis?

How has the medical community's understanding of M staging changed recently?

Why might the same TNM combination result in different stages for different types of cancer?

What advancements have influenced cancer staging in recent years?