Similarities and Differences Between cTNM and pTNM

Abstract

Aim: TNM staging system aims to classify tumour extension in a uniform, simple, homogenous and reproducible manner. The objective of this study is to evaluate the correlation between the cTNM pTNM and in tumors of the larynx and hypopharynx and the prognostic impact of the subdivision of T4 tumors in T4a and T4b in these locations. methods: A retrospective study involving 144 patients undergoing total laryngectomy or pharyngolaryngectomy associated with cervical lymph node dissection treated in the Oporto Oncologic Institute ( IPOP-EPE) between 2007 and 2011. Results: 81 patients were staged as cT3, of which 49 (60.5%) were restaged as pT4. 63 patients were staged as cT4 of which 7 (11.1%) were restaged as cT3. 80 patients were staged as cN0, of which 32 (40%) had metastatic cervical nodes upon pathological examination. 64 patients were staged as cN+, of which 4 (6.2%) did not have metastases upon pathological examination. We discuss the current TNM staging model compared to the previous staging systems. Discussion: This article compares the various categories in the TNM system in an attempt to understand the main difficulties in larynx/hypopharynx cancer staging.