pTNM

MyPathologyReport
November 2, 2023

TNM is an internationally recognized cancer staging system. It was created by the American Joint Committee on Cancer. The system uses information about the tumour (T), lymph nodes, (N), and metastases (M) to provide an overall cancer stage. The ‘p’ means the information was provided by your pathologist after examining your tissue sample under the microscope. The TNM staging system provides important information about how the disease with behave over time. Your treating doctors will combine the information in the pTNM with other medical information such as imaging results to determine your overall clinical stage (cTNM) and plan your care.

About this article

This article was written by doctors to help you read and understand your pathology report. Contact us if you have questions about this article or your pathology report. For a complete introduction to your pathology report, read this article.

Other helpful resources

Atlas of pathology