In Stage II cancer, how is it typically characterized?

Stage II cancer is typically characterized by the involvement of two lymph node regions on the same side of the diaphragm. This stage indicates that the cancer has started to spread from its original site but has not yet advanced to distant organs or multiple regions across the diaphragm. The involvement of multiple lymph nodes on the same side suggests a localized spread, distinguishing it from more advanced stages where the cancer may have spread further. This definition aligns with the broader staging systems used in oncology, where the progression and extent of cancer's spread signal its stage.