The staging of colorectal cancer usually consists of three basic staging elements, namely T-stage, N-stage, and M-stage. These three elements are used together to determine the final specific staging. This is the current common staging method. The previous Dukes staging has been gradually abandoned in clinical practice.
T staging: T refers to the primary tumor, which increases with the tumor volume and the extent of adjacent tissue involvement, in order of T1 to T4.
N stage: N refers to regional lymph node involvement. When the lymph nodes are not involved, NO is used. As the degree and extent of lymph node involvement increases, it is indicated by N1 to N2 in that order.
M staging: M refers to distant metastases, usually bloodstream metastases. Those without distant metastases are indicated by M0, and those with distant metastases are indicated by M1.
TNM staging of tumors provides an objective evaluation standard. It provides an objective standard and basis for clinicians to be able to achieve accurate patient stratification and management. It is a basic prerequisite for physicians in the clinic to select therapeutic adjuncts and improve patient outcomes.