Valid T codes from the current edition of the UICC TNM Classification of Malignant Tumours.
Record the stage in Arabic numerals and the appropriate upper or lower case alphabetic character omitting the prefix "T". For example, record stage T2a for lung cancer as "2a".
Record if the T stage value has a prefix of “c” or “p”; for example, record retinoblastoma T stage pT2b as “p2b”.
Refer to the TNM Supplement: A Commentary on Uniform Use, 3rd Edition for coding rules.
Source and reference attributes
Reference documents:
Wittekind C et al (Editors) 2003. International Union Against Cancer (UICC): TNM supplement: A commentary on uniform use, 3rd edition. Wiley-Blackwell.
Data element attributes
Collection and usage attributes
Guide for use:
Record the size and extent of the primary tumour at the time of diagnosis of the cancer.
TNM staging applies to solid tumours excluding brain tumours.
Choose the lower (less advanced) T category when there is any uncertainty.
The T stage value is derived from the size of the tumour and its relationship (extension) to other structures. The size is reflected in the value of data element Person with cancer—solid tumour size (at diagnosis), total millimetres NNN; the usage attributes provide additional detail.
The extent of the primary cancer at diagnosis is usually recorded. An exception is malignant melanoma of the skin; by convention T stage is recorded after tumour excision and is based on tumour thickness with T subcategories based on ulceration and the number of mitoses seen. Ovarian cancer is also surgically/pathologically staged.
The current edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) Cancer Staging Manual provides an equivalent and alternative source of T stage codes.
Staging classification systems other than the TNM classification system are recorded separately.
Collection methods:
This information should be obtained from the patient's medical record.
Comments:
Cancer stage is an important determinant of treatment and prognosis, and is used to evaluate new treatments and analyse outcomes. Survival analysis is adjusted by stage at diagnosis and distribution of cancer cases by type and stage.
Source and reference attributes
Submitting organisation:
Cancer Australia
Reference documents:
Sobin LH, Gospodarowicz MK, Wittekind C (Editors) 2009. International Union Against Cancer (UICC): TNM Classification of Malignant Tumours, 7th edition. Wiley-Blackwell
American Joint Committee on Cancer 2010. AJCC Cancer Staging Manual, 7th edition. New York: Springer
American College of Surgeons 2002. Facility Oncology Registry Data Standards (FORDS), 2009 revision. Commission on Cancer
