A 65-year-old chronic smoker has a right glottic squamous cell carcinoma with a fixed right vocal cord. CT demonstrates erosion through the outer cortex of the thyroid cartilage. According to AJCC 8th edition TNM classification, this tumour is staged as:
- A T2
- B T3
- C T4a ✓
- D T4b
Correct answer: C. T4a
Explanation
Invasion through the outer cortex of the thyroid or cricoid cartilage, or extension beyond the larynx into adjacent tissues, defines T4a, moderately advanced locally advanced disease, which is still resectable. T3 includes cord fixation with only inner cartilage involvement or paraglottic space invasion without cortical breach. T4b denotes very advanced unresectable disease with invasion of the prevertebral space, carotid artery encasement, or mediastinal structures.
Reference: AJCC Cancer Staging Manual, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.