What is the TNM Cancer Staging System, and How Is It Structured?

Kirsten Davin, OTD, OTR/L, ATP, SMS, CAPS, CHSE

August 1, 2024

Question

What is the TNM Cancer Staging System, and how is it structured?

Answer

The TNM Cancer Staging System is a widely adopted method for classifying the extent and severity of cancer. It consists of three primary components: Tumor (T), Nodes (N), and Metastasis (M). Each component is evaluated to determine the overall stage of cancer.

Tumor (T): This category measures the size and extent of the primary tumor. It is rated from T1 to T4, with higher numbers indicating larger or more invasive tumors.
Nodes (N): This category assesses whether and to what extent the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. It ranges from N0, indicating no lymph node involvement, to N3, indicating extensive lymph node involvement.
Metastasis (M): This category indicates whether cancer has spread to other parts of the body. M0 signifies no metastasis, while M1 signifies the presence of metastasis.

These classifications are combined into staging groups to provide an overall picture of cancer severity:

Stage I: T1 N0 M0
Stage II: T2 N1 M0
Stage III: T3 N2 M0
Stage IV: T4 N3 M1

The TNM system helps healthcare professionals to assess the initial tumor and its spread, which is crucial for planning treatment strategies.

This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course, Navigating The Journey: OT’s Role In Oncology And Navigating End-of-Life Care, by Kirsten Davin, OTD, OTR/L, ATP, SMS, CAPS, CHSE.

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