TNM Classification for Mucosal Melanoma of Head and Neck
The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) tumor/node/metastasis (TNM) classification for mucosal melanoma of the head and neck is provided below, along with anatomic staging. [1, 2]
Table 1. TNM classification (Open Table in a new window)
Primary tumor (T) |
|
T3 |
Tumors limited to the mucosa and immediately underlying soft tissue, regardless of thickness or greatest dimension; for example, polypoid nasal disease, pigmented or nonpigmented lesions of the oral cavity, pharynx, or larynx |
T4 | Moderately advanced or very advanced disease |
T4a |
Moderately advanced disease Tumor involving deep soft tissue, cartilage, bone, or overlying skin |
T4b |
Very advanced disease Tumor involving brain, dura, skull base, lower cranial nerves (IX, X, XI, XII), masticator space, carotid artery, prevertebral space, or mediastinal structures |
Regional lymph nodes (N) |
|
NX |
Regional lymph nodes cannot be assessed |
N0 |
No regional lymph node metastases |
N1 |
Regional lymph node metastases present |
Distant metastasis (M) |
|
cM0 |
No distant metastasis |
cM1 |
Distant metastasis |
pM1 | Distant metastasis, microscopically confirmed |
Table 2. Anatomic stage/prognostic groups (Open Table in a new window)
Stage |
T |
N |
M |
III |
T3 |
N0 |
M0 |
IVA |
T4a |
N0 |
M0 |
T3-T4a |
N1 |
M0 |
|
IVB |
T4b |
Any N |
M0 |
IVC |
Any T |
Any N |
M1 |