AJCC Staging Manual

The AJCC Staging Manual, developed by the American Joint Committee on Cancer, provides a standardized system for classifying the extent of cancer in patients. It uses the "TNM" system, where 'T' describes the size and local extent of the tumor, 'N' indicates whether nearby lymph nodes are involved, and 'M' denotes whether the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body. This staging helps doctors determine the severity of cancer, guides treatment decisions, and predicts patient outcomes, making it essential for effective cancer management and communication among healthcare professionals.