The TNM staging system classifies solid tumors using descriptors of the primary tumor, regional nodes, and distant metastases. For a patient reported as having a breast carcinoma staged pT2N1M0, which statement is correct?

• A The primary tumor invades chest wall and one axillary node is positive
• B The primary tumor is larger than 2 cm but not larger than 5 cm, with one to three ipsilateral nodal metastases and no distant spread ✓
• C The tumor measures less than 2 cm with microscopic nodal involvement detectable only by immunohistochemistry
• D The prefix p indicates clinical staging by palpation and imaging

Explanation

In breast cancer, T2 denotes a primary tumor greater than 2 cm but not greater than 5 cm in greatest dimension, N1 denotes metastasis to one to three ipsilateral axillary lymph nodes, and M0 indicates no distant metastasis. Chest wall invasion defines T4, and isolated tumor cells detected only by immunohistochemistry are classified N0(i+) or micrometastatic disease. The prefix p designates pathologic staging based on surgical resection, not clinical assessment.

Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.