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stage IV esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

(... ee-SAH-fuh-JEE-ul SKWAY-mus sel KAR-sih-NOH-muh)
Stage IV is divided into stages IVA and IVB, depending on where the cancer has spread. In stage IVA, cancer has spread (1) into the diaphragm, pleura, sac around the heart, azygos vein, or peritoneum. Cancer is found in 3 to 6 lymph nodes near the tumor; or (2) into nearby structures, such as the aorta, airway, or spine. Cancer may be found in 0 to 6 lymph nodes near the tumor; or (3) to 7 or more lymph nodes near the tumor. In stage IVB, cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver or lung.
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Stage IVA squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus (1); drawing shows cancer in the esophagus and in the (a) diaphragm, (b) azygos vein, (c) pleura, and (d) membrane (sac) around the heart. Also shown is cancer in 3 lymph nodes near the tumor. The airway, lung, aorta, chest wall, heart, and rib are also shown.Enlarge this image in new window
Stage IVA squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus (1). Cancer has spread into the (a) diaphragm, (b) azygos vein, (c) pleura, (d) sac around the heart, or peritoneum (not shown). Cancer is found in 3 to 6 lymph nodes near the tumor.
Stage IVA squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus (2); drawing shows cancer in the esophagus, airway, aorta, and spine.Enlarge this image in new window
Stage IVA squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus (2). Cancer has spread into nearby structures, such as the airway, aorta, or spine. Cancer may be found in 0 to 6 lymph nodes near the tumor.
Stage IVA squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus (3); drawing shows cancer in the esophagus and in 9 lymph nodes near the tumor.Enlarge this image in new window
Stage IVA squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus (3). Cancer has spread to 7 or more lymph nodes near the tumor.
Stage IVB squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus; drawing shows other parts of the body where esophagus cancer may spread, including the lung and liver. An inset shows cancer cells spreading from the esophagus, through the blood and lymph system, to another part of the body where metastatic cancer has formed.Enlarge this image in new window
Stage IVB squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. Cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver or lung.
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