AJCC Cancer Staging System

The AJCC Cancer Staging System is a method used to classify the extent of cancer in a patient’s body. It evaluates three key factors: the size and extent of the tumor (T), whether cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes (N), and whether there are distant metastases (M). Each factor is assigned a number or letter to indicate severity, combining these gives an overall stage (I to IV). This system helps doctors determine prognosis, treatment options, and whether cancer is early or advanced, ultimately guiding patient care.