Stages of Head and Neck Cancer
Once we have a head and neck cancer diagnosis, we determine the stage (extent) of the cancer. The stage tells us how advanced the cancer is, which is critical in helping us determine the best course of treatment.
The Tumor, Node, Metastasis (TNM) staging system is most widely used for head and neck cancers. Using this system, we will assign a T, N, and M value to the tumor.
- T refers to the size of the tumor.
- N describes any involvement of the lymph nodes of the head and neck.
- M indicates if the cancer has metastasized (or spread) to other areas of the body.
Traditionally, the stages of head and neck cancer were:
- Stage 1: The tumor is 2 centimeters or smaller.
- Stage 2: The tumor is larger than 2 and less than or equal to 4 centimeters.
- Stage 3: The tumor is larger than 4 centimeters, or it’s any size and has spread to one nearby lymph node and is smaller than 3 centimeters.
- Stages 4 (several stages): Cancer has spread to nearby structures, to multiple lymph nodes or those larger than 3 centimeters, or to distant parts of the body.
Recently we have adjusted our staging systems according to advances in understanding of head and neck cancer. The latest staging systems are specific to the cause of cancer (such as HPV-mediated oropharyngeal cancer) and the location (oral cavity, larynx, or nasopharyngeal cancer).
Equipped with this information, patients have the most accurate details about their cancer and can move quickly toward treatment decisions with their team of doctors.