![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081003230917im_/http://www.nci.nih.gov/images/spacer.gif) |
|
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081003230917im_/http://www.nci.nih.gov/images/spacer.gif)
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081003230917im_/http://www.nci.nih.gov/images/spacer.gif)
| Stage IV is divided into stages IVA, IVB, and IVC. In stage IVB, the tumor has spread to one or more lymph nodes that are larger than 6 centimeters (about 2 inches); or cancer has spread to the muscles or bones in the oral cavity (mouth), or to the base of the skull, and/or the carotid artery (blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the head). Cancer may also have spread to one or more lymph nodes in the neck. |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081003230917im_/http://www.nci.nih.gov/images/spacer.gif)
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081003230917im_/http://www.nci.nih.gov/images/gray_spacer.gif)
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081003230917im_/http://www.nci.nih.gov/images/spacer.gif)
|
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081003230917im_/http://www.nci.nih.gov/images/spacer.gif) |