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Future of the TNM classification and staging system in head and neck cancer
Author(s) -
Takes Robert P.,
Rinaldo Alessandra,
Silver Carl E.,
Piccirillo Jay F.,
Haigentz Missak,
Suárez Carlos,
Van der Poorten Vincent,
Hermans Robert,
Rodrigo Juan Pablo,
Devaney Kenneth O.,
Ferlito Alfio
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.21361
Subject(s) - medicine , tnm staging system , head and neck cancer , head and neck , modalities , staging system , cancer , radiology , oncology , surgery , social science , sociology
Staging systems for cancer, including the most universally used TNM classification system, have been based almost exclusively on anatomic information. However, the question arises whether staging systems should be based on this information alone. Other parameters have been identified that should be considered for inclusion in classification systems like the TNM. This is all the more important, as a shift toward nonsurgical treatments for head and neck cancer has been made over the years. For these treatment modalities tumor/biologic characteristics next to anatomic information may be particularly important for treatment choice and outcome. The shortcomings of the current TNM classification system will be discussed, along with suggestions for improvement and expansion of the TNM system based on tumor, patient, and environment‐related factors. Further improvement of the TNM classification is expected to result in better treatment choices, outcome and prognostication of patients with head and neck cancer. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010