M1 disease, in the context of cancer staging, signifies that the cancer has spread to distant organs or tissues from its original site.
The "M" in the TNM (Tumor, Node, Metastasis) staging system refers to metastasis, which indicates whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. The staging system helps healthcare professionals determine the extent of the cancer and plan appropriate treatment.
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| M0 | No distant cancer spread was found. |
| M1 | Cancer has spread to distant organs/tissues. |
An M1 diagnosis means the cancer is at an advanced stage and requires a comprehensive treatment approach, possibly involving systemic therapies like chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy, in addition to local treatments like surgery and radiation therapy.
