TNMluokitus

TNMluokitus, often referred to as the TNM staging system, is a standardized method used in oncology to describe the extent of a cancer in a patient. It is a critical tool for determining prognosis and guiding treatment decisions. The TNM system is maintained by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC).

The system is based on three key components: T, N, and M. The 'T' refers to the size and extent of the primary tumor. It describes how far the tumor has grown into nearby tissues. The 'N' indicates the involvement of regional lymph nodes, signifying whether the cancer has spread to lymph nodes close to the primary tumor. The 'M' denotes the presence of distant metastasis, meaning whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Each of these components is assigned a number, typically from 0 to 4, which indicates the degree of advancement. For example, a higher T number usually means a larger tumor, a higher N number suggests more lymph node involvement, and an M1 indicates distant spread. By combining these values, a specific stage is assigned to the cancer, ranging from Stage 0 (carcinoma in situ) to Stage IV (distant metastasis).

The TNM classification is updated periodically to reflect advancements in understanding cancer biology and diagnostic capabilities. Accurate staging using the TNM system is essential for effective cancer management, allowing healthcare professionals to communicate consistent information about a patient's cancer and to compare treatment outcomes across different studies and institutions.