Which stage of cancer is last?
When you're diagnosed with cancer, your doctor will tell you what stage it is. That will describe the size of the cancer and how far it's spread. Cancer is typically labeled in stages from I to IV, with IV being the most serious.
What is the final test for cancer?
In most situations, a biopsy is the only way to definitively diagnose cancer. In the laboratory, doctors look at cell samples under the microscope. Normal cells look uniform, with similar sizes and orderly organization. Cancer cells look less orderly, with varying sizes and without apparent organization.
Is Stage 4 cancer the end?
Stage 4 cancer is not always terminal. It is usually advanced and requires more aggressive treatment. Terminal cancer refers to cancer that is not curable and eventually results in death. Some may refer to it as end stage cancer.
Is there a Stage 5 in cancer?
Staging varies with the type of cancer. The term stage 5 isn't used with most types of cancer. Most advanced cancers are grouped into stage 4.