Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
TNM staging
Standardized tumor classification system using Tumor size/extent, Nodal involvement, and Metastasis status.
Full Definition
The internationally recognized staging system that describes the anatomical extent of cancer using three components: T (primary tumor characteristics), N (regional lymph node involvement), and M (distant metastasis presence). In urologic oncology, specific TNM criteria exist for each organ system, with different staging algorithms for kidney, bladder, prostate, testis, and penile cancers. The TNM classification directly influences treatment decisions, prognosis, and clinical trial eligibility.
Usage
Usage note: Always use current AJCC edition for staging; specify clinical (c) versus pathologic (p) staging.
In Context
- "Final TNM staging was pT2aN0M0 following radical nephrectomy." — Pathology report
- "TNM staging guidelines were updated in the eighth edition of the AJCC manual." — Clinical guideline
Also known as
tumor-node-metastasis staging
Don't confuse with
AJCC staging
clinical staging