stage II

Definition of stage II HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer

stage II HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer

(… PAH-zih-tiv OR-oh-fuh-RIN-jee-ul KAN-ser)
One of the following is true: (1) one or more lymph nodes with cancer that is HPV p16-positive are found but the place where the cancer began is not known. The lymph nodes with cancer are 6 centimeters or smaller, on one or both sides of the neck; or (2) the tumor is 4 centimeters or smaller. Cancer has spread to lymph nodes that are 6 centimeters or smaller, on the opposite side of the neck as the primary tumor or on both sides of the neck; or (3) the tumor is larger than 4 centimeters or cancer has spread to the top of the epiglottis (the flap that covers the trachea during swallowing). Cancer may have spread to one or more lymph nodes that are 6 centimeters or smaller, anywhere in the neck.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms