The Eighth Edition of TNM Staging of Lung Cancer: Reference Chart and Diagrams

Abstract

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the U.S. TNM staging of lung cancer is implemented to define the extent of disease and consequently assign prognosis and guide treatment. The newest edition of TNM staging of lung cancer has been released recently. In this article, we present the TNM staging of lung cancer in a concise, yet comprehensive, visual format.

Figure 1.

Reference chart summarizing the eighth edition of TNM staging classification of lung cancer.

Figure 2.

Reference diagrams depicting the eighth edition of TNM staging classification of lung cancer. First, define T category by matching the greatest dimension and the appropriate T category. Second, upgrade the classification based on the other criteria of primary tumor invasion/extent if applicable (use the criteria of invasion/extent [endobronchial extension (A), local invasion (B), and separate tumor nodule(s)(C)] only to assign a higher, not lesser, T classification). Finally, use the lower diagram to assign N and M classifications then combine that with the T category to define the corresponding stage. In the lower illustration, N1, N2, N3, and the separate tumor nodule(s) of M1a were described based on right‐sided primary neoplasm (marked with letter T). Use a mirror image in the case of left‐sided lung neoplasm.