Table 1.
TNM staging categories for cutaneous melanoma (7th edition).
| T classification | Thickness | Ulceration Status |
|---|---|---|
| Tis | NA | NA |
| T1 | ≥1.00 mm | a: w/o ulceration and mitosis ≥1/mm2 |
| b: with ulceration or mitoses ≥1/mm2 n/mm2 | ||
| T2 | 1.01 – 2.0 mm | a: w/o ulceration |
| b: with ulceration | ||
| T3 | 2.01 – 4.0 mm | a: w/o ulceration |
| b: with ulceration | ||
| T4 | >4.0 mm | a: w/o ulceration |
| b: with ulceration | ||
| N classification | # of Metastatic Nodes | Nodal Metastatic Burden |
|---|---|---|
| N0 | 0 | NA |
| N1 | 1 | a: micrometastasis* |
| b: macrometastasis** | ||
| N2 | 2–3 | a: micrometastasis* |
| b: macrometastasis** | ||
| c: in transit met(s)/satellite(s) without metastatic nodes | ||
| N3 | 4+ metastatic nodes, or matted nodes, or in transit metastases/satellites with metastatic nodes | |
| M classification | Site | Serum LDH |
|---|---|---|
| M0 | No distant metastases | NA |
| M1a | Distant skin, subcutaneous, or nodal metastases | normal |
| M1b | Lung metastases | normal |
| M1c | All other visceral metastases | normal |
| Any distant metastasis | elevated | |
Abbreviations: NA, not applicable; LDH, lactate dehydrogenase
*
Micrometastases are diagnosed after sentinel lymph node biopsy.
**
Macrometastases are defined as clinically detectable nodal metastases confirmed pathologically.
From Balch CM, Gershenwald JE, Soong S, et al, J Clin Oncol 27(36): 6199-206, 2009; with permission.