TNM Classification
What stage is my prostate cancer?
The TNM classification describes the size and extent of the tumor as well as the spread of cancer cells in other organs. The classification into different stages is based on three criteria:
- Size and spread of the tumour in the prostate (T)
- Absence or presence of local or adjacent (regional) lymph node metastases (N)
- Presence of distant metastases (M)
Classification and Importance of TNM Classification in Prostate Cancer
Primary tumor
T1 The tumor is neither palpable nor detectable by imaging methods (ultrasound, MRT, CT).
T1a Chance finding, less than 5 % of tissue contains cancer cells
T1b Random finding, more than 5 % of tissue contains cancer cells
T1c After an elevated PSA level, cancer cells were found in the biopsy
T2 The tumor is palpable or visible in ultrasound, but is still limited to the prostate gland.
T2a The tumor is limited to less than half the size of a prostate lobe.
T2b The tumor occupies more than half of a prostate lobe
T2c The tumor has affected both prostate lobes.
T3 The tumour has already broken through the prostate capsule and has grown into the connective tissue around the prostate or seminal vesicle.
T3 The tumor has spread outside the prostate gland.
T3b The Tumor has infiltrated seminal vesicle
T4 The tumor has spread further into neighbouring organs such as the bladder or intestine.
Lymph nodes
N0 The neighbouring lymph nodes are tumor-free.
N1 The neighbouring lymph nodes are
Metastases
M0 There are no metastases present
M1 Metastases are present
An example: T1 N0 M0 would mean that it is a small tumor without lymph node infestation and without metastases.