Head & Neck Cancer Staging

Staging Head & Neck Cancer 

The process of staging head & neck cancer helps your doctor summarize the spread and extent of the disease. Understanding the stage of the cancer will help guide your treatment decisions. This is the first step towards finding a head and neck cancer treatment plan that's right for you.

Understanding the TNM System

Head & neck cancer stages are defined by three key components, according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNM system:

• Tumor - The tumors are rated on a scale where T0 indicates no evidence of the primary tumor expanding into local tissue, and the increasing numbers (T1, T2, T3, T4) correspond to the increasing size/extent of the tumor.
• Node - The staging process evaluates the involvement of the regional lymph nodes on a scale where N0 indicates no regional lymph node involvement. The increasing numbers (N1, N2, N3) are related to the spread (distance from original site) and the number of lymph nodes involved. The greater the distance or number of lymph nodes involved, the higher the number.
• Metastized - The metastases (spread) is labeled as either M0 (no sign of metastases) or M1 (the cancer has spread).

Each category (T, N and M) is assessed and rated. An X is used to denote insufficient information (the condition of the particular factor cannot be adequately assessed).

Head & Neck Cancer Stage Grouping

In general, Roman numerals I through IV are used to indicate the stage of head and neck cancers. Early stages are often characterized by small tumors that have remained localized to their point of origin and have not spread or invaded nearby tissue or organs.

In advanced stages, like stage IV, the cancer has spread beyond its point of origin. There is a unique criteria for staging specific types of head and neck cancers, including esophageal, laryngeal, oral, and throat cancers.

Understanding Head & Neck Cancer Staging

The care team at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) is dedicated to ensuring that you clearly understand the staging process and the treatment options available to you. With knowledge, expertise and compassion, CTCA doctors clearly communicate the information you need to be an active participant in your treatment.

Throughout your head and neck cancer treatment, your CTCA care team will provide a variety of supportive therapies to help reduce side effects and improve your quality of life. Some of these therapies include oncology rehabilitation (physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language pathology), naturopathic medicine, and nutrition therapy.

Taking the Next Steps

When you're ready to learn more, call 888-841-9129 or Chat Now to talk with one of our Oncology Information Specialists. Our representatives are available 24 hours a day, every day of the week. We're ready to help, at any stage.

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