Stages and grades
The TNM system describes:
the size of the cancer (tumour or T)
whether the cancer has spread to your (N)
whether the cancer has spread to a different part of your body (metastasis or M)
The stage helps your doctor decide on the best treatment for you.
The tests and scans you have to diagnose your cancer give some information about the stage. In primary bone cancer, staging also takes into account how abnormal the cells look under the microscope (the grade).
The TNM staging system on this page is for bone cancers of the bones in the arms and legs, chest and ribs (trunk), head (skull), and face. Bone cancers of the pelvis and back (spine) use different T stages.
Talk to your doctor about the stages of these cancers.
Read more about the number staging system
Tumour describes the size of the tumour (area of cancer). This is a simplified description of the T stage.
T (tumour) is divided into 3 stages - T1 to T3.
T1 means the tumour is 8 cm or less across.
T2 means the tumour is more than 8 cm across.
T3 means there is more than one area of cancer in the same bone.
Node (N) describes whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.
N (node) is divided into 2 stages - N0 and N1.
N0 means there are no cancer cells in lymph nodes close to the tumour.
N1 means there are cancer cells in nearby lymph nodes.
Metastasis (M) describes whether the cancer has spread to a different part of the body.
M (metastasis) is divided into 3 stages - M0, M1a and M1b.
M0 means the cancer has not spread to any other part of the body.
M1a means the cancer has spread to the lung.
M1b means the cancer has spread to other areas of the body apart from the lung.
The stage of your cancer helps your doctor to decide which treatment you need. Treatment also depends on:
your type of bone cancer
where the cancer is
if they can remove (resect) the cancer
your general health and level of fitness
The stage of the cancer and these other factors can also give an idea of your outlook (prognosis).
The main treatments include:
surgery
radiotherapy
chemotherapy
Some people might have a . Or you might have treatment as part of a .
Last reviewed: 11 Feb 2025
Next review due: 11 Feb 2028
There are several different types of primary bone cancer that can start in the cells of the bones. Find out about the different types.
You usually start by seeing your GP. They will examine you and might refer you for tests or to see a specialist. Find out about how to get the most out of seeing a GP or specialist. You can also find out more about the possible tests you might have.
The main treatments for cancer that starts in your bone include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. You might have a combination of these treatments. Find out more.
Getting practical and emotional support can help you cope with a diagnosis of bone cancer.
Survival depends on many factors including the stage and type of your cancer. Find our the survival information for bone cancer.
Primary bone cancer is cancer that has started in any bone of your body.
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