Tumor Node Metastasis (TNM) Staging

The Tumor Node Metastasis (TNM) system is a standardized way doctors describe how cancer is spread in the body. "T" refers to the size and extent of the primary tumor, "N" indicates whether cancer has reached nearby lymph nodes, and "M" shows if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body (metastasized). By assessing these three factors, doctors can determine the cancer stage, which helps guide treatment decisions and predict outcomes. Think of it as a detailed map that shows how advanced the cancer is.