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

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

August 1, 2024

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


kirsten davin

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

Dr. Kirsten Davin is a veteran Occupational Therapist with over 23 years of extensive experience in a variety of inpatient and acute care practice settings, including oncology, since obtaining her occupational therapy degree in 2001. She is best known for her live, national speaking tours, as she has conducted thousands of workshops and courses on the topics of splinting, seating/positioning, assistive technology, acute care assessment and intervention, work/life balance, and more. She currently holds four specialty certifications as an Assistive Technology Professional (ATP), a Seating and Mobility Specialist (SMS), a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), and a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE).

Kirsten received her doctorate in occupational therapy in 2007 and graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2001. She was named the 2016 recipient of the VGM HME (Home Medical Equipment) Woman of the Year award, presented at the fall MedTrade conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Currently, she serves as faculty and the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator for Baylor University’s occupational therapy doctorate (OTD) program in Waco, Texas.

 


Related Courses

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