[Current TNM/FIGO classification for cervical and endometrial cancer as well as malignant mixed müllerian tumors. Facts and background]

Abstract

Numerous recent studies of endometrial and cervical carcinomas as well as malignant mixed müllerian tumors (MMMT) of the uterus have made a revision of the FIGO/TNM classification necessary, effective as of January 1st, 2010. There will be a new subclassification of carcinoma of the uterine cervix with proximal vaginal infiltration, using the same cut-off for the tumor extension as used for stage FIGOIB/T1b (≤/>4 cm), resulting in stage FIGO IIA1/T2a1 and FIGO IIA2/T2a2. In endometrial carcinoma, the previous FIGO IA/pT1a and FIGO IB/pT1b will be merged to FIGO IA/pT1a. The former category FIGO IC/T1c will be changed into FIGO IB/T1b. The category FIGO IC/pT1c will not longer been used. Additionally, there will be no separate classification for the involvement of the endocervical glands by endometrial carcinoma. This feature will be incorporated in stage FIGO I/T1 disease. The new category FIGO II/T2 will be defined as endocervical stromal involvement. There will be a new category, termed T3c/IIIC, which includes regional lymph node involvement. Stage T3c1/IIIC1 will be defined as pelvic lymph node involvement and stage T3c2/IIIC2 para-aortal lymph node involvement with or without pelvic lymph node disease. In the TNM system, regional lymph node involvement can alternatively be classified as N1. The MMMT will be staged like endometrial carcinoma.