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TNM System

Physician-developed and -monitored.

Original Date of Publication: 10 Jun 1998
Reviewed by: Stanley J. Swierzewski, III, M.D.
Last Reviewed: 17 Oct 2007

Original Source: http://www.urologychannel.com/prostatecancer/tnm-system.shtml

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TNM System

The TNM (tumor, node, metastases) system stages are similar to those of the Jewett-Whitmore system, but with more specific alphanumeric subcategories.

Primary tumor (T)

TX Tumor cannot be assessed
T0 No evidence of primary tumor
T1 Clinically not palpable or visible by imaging
T1a Found incidental to other surgery; present in 5% or less of tissue
T1b Found incidental to other surgery; present in 5% or more of tissue
T1c Identified by needle biopsy
T2 Tumor confined within prostate
T2a Involving half a lobe or less of prostate
T2b Involving half a lobe
T2c Involving both lobes
T3 Tumor extends through prostate capsule
T3a Extends through one lobe
T3b Extends through both lobes
T3c Extends into seminal vesicles
T4 Involves structures other than seminal vesicles
T4a Invades bladder neck, external sphincter, or rectum
T4b Invades muscles and/or pelvic wall


Regional Lymph Nodes (N)

NX Nodes cannot be assessed
N0 No regional node metastasis
N1 Single node metastasis, 2 centimeters (cm) or less at largest point
N2 Single node metastasis, 2 cm to 5 cm at largest point, or multiple nodes, no larger than 5 cm at largest point
N3 Metastasis larger than 5 cm in any node

Distant Metastasis (M)

MX Metastasis cannot be assessed
M0 No distant metastasis
M1 Distant metastasis
M1a Distant lymph node(s) involved
M1b Bone(s) involved
M1c Other site(s) involved


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