What does cancer stages 2 and 3 means?

Cancer stages 2 and 3 are both advanced stages of cancer, and represent a more progressed state than stage 1.

Stage 2 cancer is when the tumor has continued to grow beyond its original size, but remains contained within one area or organ. In some cases, stage 2 tumors may have spread to nearby lymph nodes, however it has not yet metastasized (spread) to other organs or parts of the body. The treatment options for stage 2 depend on the type of cancer it is and how extensive it is in terms of size and involvement with other tissues/organs. Treatments can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or a combination of these treatments.

Stage 3 cancer marks an even further advancement in progression than Stage 2 as malignant cells will have most likely left the primary site and begun spreading through their lymphatic system into other organs/parts of the body - typically referred as "distant metastasis". As with Stage 2 cancers, treatment plans vary depending on factors such as tumor size or location; they could include surgery followed by radiation therapy/chemotherapy or some forms of immunotherapy strategies – although this decision ultimately depends on patient's overall condition along with their own personal preferences regarding treatments.