TNM staging
Also written as: TNM — Tumor, Node, Metastasis
Standardized cancer staging system evaluating tumor size (T), nodal involvement (N), and distant metastases (M).
Full Definition
TNM staging is the internationally accepted system for describing the anatomic extent of cancer at the time of diagnosis. For head and neck cancers, the T category describes the size and local extent of the primary tumor, N describes regional lymph node involvement (categorized by size, number, and location), and M indicates the presence or absence of distant metastases. The TNM descriptors are combined to assign an overall stage (I-IV), which guides treatment decisions and provides prognostic information. The system is regularly updated by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) and Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).
Usage
Usage note: Always specify the AJCC edition when citing TNM staging criteria.
In Context
- "The final TNM staging was T2N2bM0, corresponding to Stage IVA disease." — Pathology report
- "TNM staging remains the most important prognostic factor for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma." — Clinical guidelines