A patient with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is found to have bilateral cervical lymph nodes measuring 6 cm, bilateral, with no distant metastasis. The T stage is T2. The AJCC 8th edition N stage for bilateral cervical nodes measuring 6 cm is:
- A N2
- B N3b
- C N1
- D N3a ✓
Correct answer: D. N3a
Explanation
In the AJCC 8th edition staging for NPC, N3a denotes unilateral or bilateral cervical lymph nodes greater than 6 cm in greatest dimension and/or extension below the caudal border of cricoid cartilage. A 6 cm bilateral node would be classified N3a. N1 = unilateral retropharyngeal/cervical node ≤6 cm above caudal border of cricoid; N2 = bilateral cervical nodes ≤6 cm; N3b = supraclavicular fossa extension.
Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.