TNM staging
Also written as: TNM — Tumor Node Metastasis
Standardized cancer staging system using Tumor size, Node involvement, and Metastasis status to classify disease extent.
Full Definition
The TNM staging system is the globally accepted standard for describing the anatomical extent of cancer at the time of diagnosis. T describes the size and extent of the primary tumor, N indicates whether cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, and M shows whether the cancer has metastasized to other parts of the body. This system provides a common language for oncologists worldwide and is essential for treatment planning, prognosis assessment, and clinical research. Each component is assigned a number or letter that corresponds to specific criteria defined by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC).
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize TNM when referring to the staging system; use specific stage designations (e.g., T1N0M0) in clinical contexts.
In Context
- "The pathology report indicated T2N1M0 according to TNM staging criteria." — Pathology report
- "TNM staging information must be captured in structured data fields for registry reporting." — Clinical documentation