Info
Prognosis
An estimate of the likely course of the disease, based on the type of cancer, the stage, the tumor grade, the response to treatment and individual characteristics.
What it means
An estimate of the likely course of the disease. It depends on the type of cancer, the stage and the response to treatment.
In short
An estimate of the likely course of the disease, based on the type of cancer, the stage, the tumor grade, the response to treatment and individual characteristics.
Where you will see it
Discussed by the oncologist after complete staging. It may be mentioned in the medical letter or the tumor board recommendation.
What it does not tell you on its own
The prognosis is a statistical estimate - not an individual certainty. Many factors influence the actual course: the response to treatment, the general condition, the medical support.
Questions for your doctor
- What is the prognosis for my type and stage?
- What factors can improve it?
- Are there markers that indicate a better response?
- Can the prognosis change during treatment?
Related terms
The terms below often appear alongside this one. Each definition is right here, so you do not have to look elsewhere.
- TNM (staging system)
- The international system for classifying cancer according to three dimensions: T = the size of the primary tumor, N = the involvement of the lymph nodes, M = the presence of metastases. It is the basis for stages I–IV and determines the treatment plan.
- Remission
- The reduction or disappearance of the signs of cancer in response to treatment. Complete remission means that all signs have gone. Partial remission means that the tumor has shrunk significantly. It can be temporary or long-lasting.
- Recurrence
- The return of the disease after a period in which the cancer was absent or controlled. Recurrence can appear locally, regionally or at a distance, and it is one of the reasons why oncological monitoring remains important after treatment.
Other terms in “Basics”
Glossary definitions are written for patients by the OncoDots team and go through internal medical review. They explain terms; they do not establish a diagnosis and do not recommend a treatment.