A 58-year-old woman with a 2.5 cm invasive ductal carcinoma undergoes modified radical mastectomy. Pathology shows 3 out of 15 axillary lymph nodes positive for metastasis. What is the N category in the TNM staging?
- A N3
- B N2
- C N1 ✓
- D N0
Correct answer: C. N1
Explanation
In breast cancer TNM staging, N1 denotes metastasis in 1 to 3 axillary lymph nodes. N2 is 4 to 9 nodes, and N3 is 10 or more nodes or involvement of infraclavicular nodes. With 3 positive nodes, the N category is N1. This is a fundamental staging fact frequently tested in Indian PG entrance exams.
Reference: AJCC Cancer Staging Manual, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.