Tumor (T)
Using the TNM system, the “T” plus a letter or number (0 to 4) is used to describe how deeply the primary tumor has grown into the bowel lining. Some stages are also divided into smaller groups that help describe the tumor in even more detail. Specific tumor information is listed below.
TX: The primary tumor cannot be evaluated.
T0 (T plus zero): There is no evidence of cancer in the colon or rectum.
Tis: Refers to carcinoma in situ (also called cancer in situ). Cancer cells are found only in the epithelium or lamina propria, which are the top layers lining the inside of the colon or rectum.
T1: The tumor has grown into the submucosa, which is the layer of tissue underneath the mucosa or lining of the colon.
T2: The tumor has grown into the muscularis propria, a deeper, thick layer of muscle that contracts to force along the contents of the intestines.
T3: The tumor has grown through the muscularis propria and into the subserosa, which is a thin layer of connective tissue beneath the outer layer of some parts of the large intestine, or it has grown into tissues surrounding the colon or rectum.
T4a: The tumor has grown into the surface of the visceral peritoneum, which means it has grown through all layers of the colon.
T4b: The tumor has grown into or has attached to other organs or structures.
Node (N)
The “N” in the TNM system stands for lymph nodes. The lymph nodes are tiny, bean-shaped organs located throughout the body. Lymph nodes help the body fight infections as part of the immune system. Lymph nodes near the colon and rectum are called regional lymph nodes. All others are distant lymph nodes that are found in other parts of the body.
NX: The regional lymph nodes cannot be evaluated.
N0 (N plus zero): There is no spread to regional lymph nodes.
N1a: There are tumor cells found in 1 regional lymph node.
N1b: There are tumor cells found in 2 to 3 regional lymph nodes.
N1c: There are nodules made up of tumor cells found in the structures near the colon that do not appear to be lymph nodes.
N2a: There are tumor cells found in 4 to 6 regional lymph nodes.
N2b: There are tumor cells found in 7 or more regional lymph nodes.
Metastasis (M)
The “M” in the TNM system describes cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver or lungs. This is called distant metastasis.
MX: Distant metastasis cannot be evaluated.
M0 (M plus zero): The disease has not spread to a distant part of the body.
M1a: The cancer has spread to 1 other part of the body beyond the colon or rectum.
M1b: The cancer has spread to more than 1 part of the body other than the colon or rectum.