title: TNM classification of the oral cavity carcinomas: some suggested modifications.
abstract: TNM system is a universally recognized cancer classification. It's based on the assessment of anatomical extent of tumor (T), nodal (N) and distant metastases (M). The first edition of TNM was published in 1968 and has since been updated several times. Relevant characteristics that affect prognosis prognosis, such as depth of invasion, tumor volume, surgical margin infiltration, and the number of involved nodes as well as the presence of extracapsular spread (such data should be determined by the pathologist and included in pTNM staging – ed. note) are not included in the TNM classification. Following a discussion on most recent classification updates we will discuss the factors, which in our opinion and in concordance with the most recent literature, deserve special consideration and influence management of oral carcinomas.
authors.affiliation: UOC of Otolaryngology, General Hospital "S. Giovanni Calibita - Fatebenefratelli", the Tiber Island, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Domenico
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Crescenzi
authors.affiliation: ENT Department, University "G. D'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Hospital "SS. Annunziata", Via dei Vestini, 66100, Chieti, Italy.
authors.forename: Melissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Laus
authors.affiliation: UOC of Otolaryngology, General Hospital "S. Giovanni Calibita - Fatebenefratelli", the Tiber Island, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Radici
authors.affiliation: ENT Department, University "G. D'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Hospital "SS. Annunziata", Via dei Vestini, 66100, Chieti, Italy.
authors.forename: Adelchi
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Croce
mesh_terms: D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000145:classification* / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000145:classification* / Q000473:pathology*; D009303:Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000145:classification / Q000473:pathology; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D009959:Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000145:classification* / Q000473:pathology*; D010610:Pharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000145:classification / Q000473:pathology