Anatomic stage and prognostic stage
- Besides the anatomic stage (T, N and M only), the AJCC 8th edition introduced the "prognostic stage", which also takes tumour grade, oestrogen and progesterone receptors and HER2 into account [1].
- The anatomic stage table is used where tumour grading or ER, PR and HER2 testing is not routinely available [2].
- Tumour biomarkers and a low Oncotype DX recurrence score can change prognosis and stage; use the AJCC tables for the prognostic stage [1].
Definitions
- T is based on the greatest dimension of the invasive component of the tumour [2].
- Micrometastasis (N1mi) means a deposit larger than 0.2 mm and up to 2 mm; isolated tumour cells in clusters of 0.2 mm or less are recorded as N0(i+) [2].
- Inflammatory breast cancer is T4d [2].
- For a plain explanation of the stages for patients, see breast cancer.
Related cancer types
Treatment regimens (physicians)
AC followed by paclitaxel (dose-dense and weekly)TC regimen (docetaxel and cyclophosphamide): dose and scheduleTCHP regimen: dose and schedule in HER2-positive breast cancerWeekly paclitaxel with trastuzumab (APT regimen)KEYNOTE-522 regimen: pembrolizumab and chemotherapy in triple-negative breast cancerTrastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1, Kadcyla): dose and scheduleTrastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd, Enhertu): dose and monitoringAdjuvant capecitabine after neoadjuvant treatment (CREATE-X)Sacituzumab govitecan (Trodelvy)Pembrolizumab with chemotherapy in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (KEYNOTE-355)
Physician tools and lessons
Cumulative Anthracycline Dose and Doxorubicin Equivalents10 cheap steps that save patients' livesBone-modifying agents in cancer: bone metastases, adjuvant use and osteonecrosis of the jawDrug interactions with oral anticancer drugs: CYP3A4, acid suppressants and anticoagulantsGermline genetic testing in cancer: who, and which genes?Management of brain metastasesFertility preservation before cancer treatmentMalignant pleural effusion: drainage, pleurodesis or an indwelling catheterCancer during pregnancy: chemotherapy and decisions
References
2 referencesShow all referencesClose the reference list
Numbers in the text, such as [1], refer to these sources. Sources with a “Study card” button are summarised in the site’s evidence library.
- 1
- 2
This page is based on reputable scientific sources and was last updated on 28 October 2026. The content of this website is for educational and informational purposes only and does not replace consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a specialist physician. Consult your treating physician about any treatment decision.
Printed from the website; the full and up-to-date version: https://drdabiri.com/en/tools/breast-cancer-staging-tnm/