Nodal status意思

"Nodal status" is a term used in oncology, specifically in the context of cancer staging, to describe the involvement of lymph nodes in cancer. Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures found throughout the body that are part of the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system.

Here's what the nodal status can indicate:

• N0 (Negative): This means that the cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes.
• N1 (Positive): This means that the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. The exact definition of N1 can vary depending on the type of cancer and may include the location and number of affected lymph nodes.
• N2: This indicates a more advanced spread to the lymph nodes, typically involving more lymph nodes and/or those located in a different area from the original tumor.
• N3: This is used to describe an even more advanced spread to the lymph nodes, with a higher number of affected lymph nodes and/or those in more distant locations.

The nodal status is an important factor in determining the stage of cancer, which in turn helps guide treatment decisions and prognosis. A higher nodal status often indicates a more advanced stage of cancer and a potentially more aggressive treatment approach.