Stage and spread
TNM stage (for example pT2N1M0)
Also written as TNM, pT2N1M0, pTNM, cTNM, T2N1M0, AJCC stage
What it means
TNM describes how much cancer there is and how far it has spread. T is the size of the tumour and any spread to nearby tissue. N is spread to nearby lymph nodes. M is metastasis, which is spread to other parts of the body.
Why it matters
The T, N and M values together give the stage, which your oncologist uses to choose treatment.
Ask your oncologist
"Can you explain each letter and number of my TNM stage?"
From NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: TNM staging system. Not medical advice: your oncologist decides.