Pathologic T
This input is used for staging
Notes
**Note 1:** Assign 88 for in situ cases (behavior code /2). TNM does not include an in situ category for mucosal melanoma tumors. **Note 2:** Mucosal melanomas are aggressive tumors, therefore, T1 and T2 are omitted, as are Stages I and II. **Note 3:** The intrinsic muscles of tongue are four paired muscles within the tongue which control its shape. The extrinsic muscles originate from structures outside the tongue and control its positioning. **Note 4:** Assign T3 for localized tumor when no other information is available or for extension involving the mucosa only of adjacent sites. **Note 5:** Assign T4a or T4b for extension involving the deeper tissues of the primary or adjacent sites.NAACCR Item
NAACCR #880| Pathologic T | Pathologic T Display | Description | Registrar Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| pX | pTX | Primary tumor cannot be assessed# | Pathologic classification criteria met, evaluation done: Physician unable to assess T Surgical resection of primary tumor, extension not stated Physician assigns pTX, no other information available to determine T |
| p0 | pT0 | No evidence of primary tumor# | |
| p3 | pT3 | Tumor limited to the epithelium and/or submucosa (mucosal disease) | Tumor extension involving mucosa: Anterior two-thirds of tongue for base of tongue Base of tongue (posterior one-third of tongue): Confined to one side Midline tumor Base of tongue for lingual tonsil Epiglottis, lingual (pharyngeal) surface Floor of mouth Glossoepiglottic fold Glossopharyngeal fold Hard palate Hypopharynx Larynx Lateral pharyngeal wall Lingual tonsil Lower gingiva Pharyngoepiglottic fold Soft palate including uvula Tonsillar pillars and fossae Tonsils Vallecula Localized, NOS Stated as T3 |
| p4 | pT4 | Not defined by UICC*# | Note: T4 has subcategories of T4a and T4b. Assign T4 only when there is no information available to assign one of the subcategories Tumor invades bone, nerve or extrinsic deep muscles Stated as T4[NOS] |
| p4A | pT4a | Tumor invades: Deep soft tissue Cartilage Bone Overlying skin |
Deep soft tissue or musculature of base of tongue or lingual tonsil Soft tissue, NOS Involvement of deep soft tissue or musculature of base of tongue or lingual tonsil plus mucosal involvement of any structure in T3 Sublingual gland Deep soft tissue or musculature of soft palate, inferior surface or NOS, including uvula Mandible for lingual tonsil Mandible plus any involvement of soft palate Mandible for base of tongue Musculature, extrinsic of tongue: Genioglossus Geniohyoid Hyoglossus Mylohyoid Palatoglossus Styloglossus Deep soft tissue or musculature of: Larynx Hypopharynx Bone excluding base of skull and mandible Lateral nasopharynx Pterygoid muscle Pterygoid plates Palatine bone Stated as T4a |
| p4B | pT4b | Tumor invades any of the following: Brain Dura Skull base Lower cranial nerves (IX, X, XI, XII) Masticator space Carotid artery Prevertebral space Mediastinal structures |
Stated as T4b |
| 88 | 88 | Not applicable | In situ case but no pTis is defined by TNM Death certificate only (DCO) case |
| <BLANK> | BLANK | See Registrar Notes | Pathologic classification criteria not met Pathologic classification criteria met, evaluation done: Results not documented in patient record No surgical resection of known primary tumor (not T0) Resection insufficient for site-specific pathologic assessment No surgical resection of primary tumor and there isn’t a positive biopsy of a structure in the highest T category and highest N category Evidence of metastatic disease (pM1), no other workup Only Pathologic Stage Group documented (no T, N, or M information available) |