Info
TNM (staging system)
The international staging system: T = the size of the primary tumor, N = nodes involved, M = distant metastases. From these the stage I–IV is calculated.
What it means
The international system for classifying cancer according to three dimensions: T = the size of the primary tumor, N = the involvement of the lymph nodes, M = the presence of metastases. It is the basis for stages I–IV and determines the treatment plan.
In short
The international staging system: T = the size of the primary tumor, N = nodes involved, M = distant metastases. From these the stage I–IV is calculated.
Where you will see it
Mentioned in the medical letter after biopsy and imaging, in the Tumor Board recommendation and in the treatment plan.
What it does not tell you on its own
The TNM stage describes the extent of the disease at diagnosis, but on its own it does not predict the response to treatment or the individual prognosis.
Questions for your doctor
- What is the TNM stage of my disease?
- What does it mean in practice for the treatment plan?
- Can the stage change after treatment?
- Is my stage T?N?M??
Related terms
The terms below often appear alongside this one. Each definition is right here, so you do not have to look elsewhere.
- Metastasis
- The spread of cancer cells from the site of origin to other organs or tissues. Metastases show that the disease has spread to distant sites and they influence the stage, the prognosis and the type of treatment recommended.
- Lymph node
- A small structure of the lymphatic system, involved in the body's defence. In cancer, the lymph nodes are important for staging, because they can be the route by which the disease begins to spread.
- Prognosis
- An estimate of the likely course of the disease. It depends on the type of cancer, the stage and the response to treatment.
- Histopathology
- The examination under the microscope of tissue taken by biopsy or surgery. The histopathology report describes the type of cells, the tumor grade and other details that help establish the diagnosis and treatment.
Other terms in “Diagnosis”
Glossary definitions are written for patients by the OncoDots team and go through internal medical review. They explain terms; they do not establish a diagnosis and do not recommend a treatment.