The new TNM classification of lung cancer in practice educational aims

Abstract

The 7th edition of the TNM (tumour, node, metastases) classification of lung cancer incorporates the proposals of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, whose database included more than 100,000 patients from Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America. The changes affect the Tand the M components of the classification, and the stage grouping. The N component remained unaltered, although the present descriptors were validated both in the clinical and pathologic settings. This new TNM classification applies to non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer and, for the first time, to broncho-pulmonary carcinoids. The innovations allow for a better separation of tumours with significantly different prognosis, and imply a more careful determination of tumour size.