TNM staging
Also written as: TNM — Tumor Node Metastasis
Standardized system for classifying cancer extent based on tumor size (T), lymph node involvement (N), and distant metastasis (M).
Full Definition
The TNM staging system is the internationally recognized standard for describing the anatomical extent of cancer at the time of diagnosis and treatment planning. Developed by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) and Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), this system provides a common language for oncologists worldwide. The T component describes the size and extent of the primary tumor, N indicates whether cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, and M reveals whether metastasis to distant parts of the body has occurred. These components are combined to assign an overall stage grouping (Stage I-IV) that guides treatment decisions and prognosis.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize TNM. Current edition is 8th edition (published 2017).
In Context
- "Final pathology revealed T3N1M0 adenocarcinoma according to the 8th edition TNM staging criteria." — Pathology report
- "Preoperative imaging suggested T2N0M0 disease, but TNM staging was upstaged following surgical resection." — Multidisciplinary conference notes