Staging is a term that is used to describe how far a tumor has spread throughout the body. Tumors are staged using a variety of different imaging techniques (such as CT scans, MRI, etc.) and other procedures (such as bone marrow aspirations and lumbar puncture). Which staging system is used depends on the tumor type. Additionally, staging will determine the type of treatment or treatments that are used for a given sarcoma.
For osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma, the staging system is based on the grade of the tumor, the site of the primary tumor, and whether metastases are present. For rhabdomyosarcoma, the staging system is based on the primary site of the tumor, the size of the tumor, sites of metastases, and the surgery performed. Other staging systems may be used for the rarer sarcomas that we treat here at Memorial Sloan-Kettering.
Your doctor will review the staging systems with you and tailor treatment accordingly.
