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TNM staging system
Pronunciation
Definition 1
A system to describe the amount and spread of cancer in a patient’s body, using TNM. T describes the size of the tumor and any spread of cancer into nearby tissue; N describes spread of cancer to nearby lymph nodes; and M describes metastasis (spread of cancer to other parts of the body). This system was created and is updated by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) and the International Union Against Cancer (UICC). The TNM staging system is used to describe most types of cancer. Also called AJCC staging system. (NCI Dictionary)
Definition 2
A system for clinicopathologic evaluation of tumors based on the extent of tumor involvement at the primary site (T, followed by a number indicating size and depth of invasion), and lymph node involvement (N) and metastasis (M) each followed by a number starting at 0 for no evident metastasis; numbers used depend on the organ involved and influence the prognosis and choice of treatment. (NCI Thesaurus)
Definition 3
A system developed by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) that uses TNM to describe the extent of cancer in a patient's body. T describes the size of the tumor and whether it has invaded nearby tissue. N describes whether cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, and M describes whether cancer has metastasized (spread to distant parts of the body). The TNM staging system is used to describe most types of cancer. (NCI Dictionary)