tumor, node, metastasis system

The Tumor, Node, Metastasis (TNM) system is a standardized way to describe the extent of cancer in a patient's body. "T" refers to the size and local extent of the primary tumor; "N" indicates whether cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes; and "M" signifies if there is distant metastasis, meaning the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. This classification helps doctors determine the stage of the cancer, guiding treatment options and predicting outcomes. It's a critical tool in cancer diagnosis and management.