CategoryClassificationDescription
Histological Classification
Squamous cell carcinomaMay be well/moderately/poorly differentiated
Lymphoepithelioma
Adenocarcinoma
LymphomasBoth Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin
TNM Classification
Primary Tumor (T)
T0No evidence of primary tumor
TisCarcinoma in situ
T1Tumor ≤2 cm in greatest dimension
T2Tumor >2 cm but not more than 4 cm in greatest dimension
T3Tumor >4 cm in greatest dimension or extension to lingual surface of the epiglottis
T4aModerately advanced, local disease
T4bVery advanced, local disease
Regional Lymph Nodes (N)
N0No regional lymph node metastasis
N1Metastasis in a single ipsilateral lymph node ≤3 cm in greatest dimension
N2Metastasis in a single ipsilateral lymph node >3 cm but not more than 6 cm in greatest dimension; or in multiple ipsilateral lymph nodes, none >6 cm in greatest dimension; or in bilateral or contralateral lymph nodes, none >6 cm in greatest dimension
N3Metastasis in a lymph node >6 cm in greatest dimension
Distant Metastasis (M)
M0No distant metastasis
M1Distant metastasis
Histologic Grade (G)
GXGrade cannot be assessed
G1Well differentiated
G2Moderately differentiated
G3Poorly differentiated
G4Undifferentiated

Classification and Staging

Primary Tumor
  • T1: Tumor limited to one site with normal vocal cord mobility.
  • T2: Tumor extending to more than one site with normal vocal cord mobility.
  • T3: Tumor limited to larynx with vocal cord fixation.
  • T4: Tumor extending beyond the larynx.
Lymph Nodes (N)
  • N0: No clinically positive nodes.
  • N1: Single clinically positive ipsilateral node 3 cm or less in diameter.
  • N2: Single clinically positive node more than 3 cm but less than 6 cm in diameter.
  • N3: Massive ipsilateral nodes (>6 cm), bilateral or contralateral nodes.
Distant Metastasis (M)
  • M0: No evidence of distant metastasis.
  • M1: Tumor with distant metastasis.