TNM Classification
The TNM classification of malignant disease is based on the extent of the tumour (T), the extent of spread of the lymph nodes (N), and the presence of metastasis (M).
A number is added to each letter to indicate the size or extent of the tumour and the extent of spread:
- T (0-4) describes the size of the tumour and whether it has invaded nearby tissue.
- N (0-4) describes the involved lymph nodes.
- M (0/1) describes metastasis (0 if no metastasis and 1 if metastases are present).
Reference
Christian Wittekind, F. Greene, R. V. P. Hutter, and Leslie H. Sobin. TNM Supplement: A Commentary on Uniform Use (UICC). 3rd edition, John Wiley & Sons, Hoboken, 2003.
A preview of this text is available on Google Books.
