Introduction

The development of prognostic data and therapeutic outcomes in cancer is dependent upon meaningful communication among physicians, educators, health administrators, and all parties concerned with improving the care of malignancies. In order to ensure accurate descriptions of cancers, and allow comparisons of data and treatment methodologies, various cancer staging systems were developed. As cancer care became more complex over the years, multidisciplinary methods of treatment became essential. The importance of reproducible and functional staging systems for cancer are the cornerstone in the conduct of trials, introduction of new technologies, and comparisons of treatment. This is a summary of the evolution and current uses of these various staging methodologies.

Principles of cancer staging

The utility of a cancer staging system will depend on its accurate reflection of the natural history of the disease and the functional ability of healthcare givers to utilize these staging descriptions. Malignancies reflect a continuum of varying natural histories and are a dynamic process. Although no staging system can precisely take into account all variables, there must be enough functionality that will reflect this natural history. The staging ideally represents a point in time where the malignancy can be easily defined, utilized by all parties caring for the patient, and results in the accumulation of meaningful information. Therapeutic modalities can be used for comparing outcomes, planning policy, and advising individual patients.