In breast cancer staging, a patient has a primary tumor measuring 3.5 cm, 5 axillary lymph nodes positive (all <2cm), and no distant metastasis. According to the TNM 8th edition AJCC staging, what is the clinical stage?
- A Stage IIIA ✓
- B Stage IIB
- C Stage IIIB
- D Stage IIIC
Correct answer: A. Stage IIIA
Explanation
A tumor of 3.5 cm is classified as T2 (>2 cm but ≤5 cm). Five positive axillary lymph nodes (all <2 cm, not fixed) is classified as N2 (4-9 ipsilateral axillary nodes positive). T2N2M0 corresponds to Stage IIIA. Stage IIIC requires N3 disease (≥10 axillary nodes, infraclavicular, or supraclavicular involvement), while Stage IIB is T3N0 or T2N1. Understanding this staging is critical for treatment planning and counseling.
Reference: Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.
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