[Problems of documentation of malignant tumors, showing as an example lip cancer]

The TNM system allows malignant tumours to be classified according to uniform aspects and permits the collective comparison of the applied therapeutical methods. The problem is illustrated by a longitudinal study of 70 patients with lip carcinoma over a period of 6 years where only one TNM code was established. In conclusion the author recommends the documentation of 4 TNM codes per patient, which allow an exact statement about the diagnosis, optimal planning of the therapy, course, and prognosis.