Laryngeal Cancer Staging
Learn More About Laryngeal Cancer Staging: Chat with Us | Email Us
Laryngeal Cancer Staging
After undergoing diagnostic testing, your doctor will summarize the cancer into a stage using the Roman numerals I-IV. Stage groupings are defined by three key components, according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNM system:
- Tumor - The tumors are rated based on the how far the cancer has spread within the larynx. T0 indicates no evidence of the primary tumor expanding into local tissue, and the increasing numbers (T1, T2, T3, etc.) correspond to the increasing size/extent of the tumor. Carcinoma in situ, Tis, describes an early cancer that has not gone beyond to the innermost layer of the larynx.
- Node - The staging process evaluates the involvement of the lymph nodes in the neck 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).
Understanding Laryngeal Cancer Staging
Early stages of laryngeal cancer are often characterized by small tumors that have remained localized to their point of origin. In other words, the cancer has not spread or invaded nearby tissue or organs. In advanced stages of laryngeal cancer, like stage IV, the cancer has spread into the neck or chest cavity and the vocal cords may not move normally.
The criteria for staging laryngeal cancer is specific to the section of the larynx involved (subglottis, glottis or supraglottis). For example, T1 glottic cancer is defined as a tumor that is only growing on the vocal cords and the supraglottis and subglottis remain unaffected. Typically, the more parts of the larynx that are involved, the higher T is rated. Thus, a stage T2 glottic cancer may have grown into the other sections of the larynx.
In addition, the capacity for movement in the vocal cords is also considered. The growth of the cancer into the connective tissue may "fix" the vocal cords, otherwise called "vocal cord fixation." The "T" stage increases as the normal level of vocal cord movement diminishes.
General Stage Groupings of Laryngeal Cancer
- Stage I Laryngeal Cancer: The tumor is confined to one section of the larynx and the vocal cords move normally. (Example: T1, N0, M0)
- Stage II Laryngeal Cancer: The cancer has grown into two or more sections of the larynx. Movement of the vocal cords may or may not be affected. (Example: T2, N0, M0)
- Stage III Laryngeal Cancer: The tumor is only in the larynx. Vocal cord fixation may have occurred. (Example: T2, N1, M0)
- Stage IV Laryngeal Cancer: The cancer may be any size and has spread beyond the larynx to other sites like the trachea, esophagus or chest cavity. (Example: Any T, Any N, M1)
Treatment Options for Laryngeal Cancer at CTCA
Treatment for laryngeal cancer depends on the stage and location of the cancer. At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), we care about your involvement so we are here every step of the way to answer your questions and keep you informed.
At CTCA, your care team is dedicated to ensuring that you clearly understand the disease process and the variety of treatment options available. With knowledge, expertise and compassion, CTCA cancer experts clearly communicate the information you need to know about your laryngeal cancer treatment options.
Next Topic: Laryngeal Cancer Treatment
