AJCC staging
Also written as: AJCC — American Joint Committee on Cancer
The American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system used for standardized classification of ocular tumors.
Full Definition
AJCC staging refers to the standardized tumor classification system developed by the American Joint Committee on Cancer, which provides uniform criteria for staging various ocular malignancies including uveal melanoma, conjunctival melanoma, and retinoblastoma. The system uses TNM (Tumor, Node, Metastasis) parameters to assign overall stage groupings from I to IV, enabling consistent communication between healthcare providers and facilitating treatment planning and prognostic assessment. For uveal melanoma, the 8th edition AJCC staging incorporates tumor size, extraocular extension, and ciliary body involvement, while retinoblastoma staging considers laterality, intraocular extent, and extraocular spread. Accurate AJCC staging requires precise measurements and thorough evaluation for regional and distant metastases.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify the edition (8th edition current) when referencing AJCC staging criteria.
In Context
- "The uveal melanoma was classified as T2N0M0, corresponding to AJCC stage IIA disease." — Oncology staging report
- "Updated AJCC staging guidelines now incorporate genetic factors for uveal melanoma prognosis." — Clinical practice guideline