TNM classification for p16-negative oropharyngeal cancer
Tumor classification
Tx: Primary tumor cannot be assessed
T0: No evidence of primary tumor
Tis: Carcinoma in situ
T1: Tumor ≤ 2 cm in greatest dimension
T2: Tumor > 2 cm but ≤ 4 cm in greatest dimension
T3: Tumor > 4 cm in greatest dimension or extension to the lingual surface of epiglottis
T4a: Tumor invading larynx, extrinsic muscle of tongue, medial pterygoid, hard palate, or mandible or beyond; mucosal extension to the lingual surface of epiglottis from primary tumors of the base of tongue; vallecula does not constitute an invasion of larynx
T4b: Tumor invading lateral pterygoid muscle, pterygoid plates, lateral nasopharynx, or skull base or encases carotid artery
Lymph node classification
Nx: Regional lymph nodes cannot be assessed
N0: No regional lymph node metastasis
N1: Metastasis in single ipsilateral lymph node ≤ 3 cm in greatest dimension with no extranodal extension
N2a: Metastasis in single ipsilateral or contralateral node ≤ 3 cm in greatest dimension and extranodal extension; or single ipsilateral node > 3 cm but < 6 cm in greatest dimension with no extranodal extension
N2b: Metastasis in multiple ipsilateral nodes, none > 6 cm in greatest dimension with no extranodal extension
N2c: Metastasis in bilateral or contralateral lymph nodes, none > 6 cm in greatest dimension with no extranodal extension
N3a: Metastasis in lymph node > 6 cm in greatest dimension, no extranodal extension
N3b: Metastasis in any node and clinically overt extranodal extension
Metastasis classification
M0: No distant metastasis
M1: Distant metastasis present
Stage cannot be fully assessed
Reference
Amin, M.B., Edge et al. AJCC Cancer Staging Manual. AJCC. 2017.
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