[Semi-automatic TNM classification of malignant tumors with the ESTER system exemplified by the larynx]

Classification of tumours according to the TNM scheme has been accepted worldwide. However, vague baseline assessments and borderline cases render a comparison of the outcome on the basis of TNM classification impossible. Therefore we integrated the TNM rules as a new algorithm into an existing expert system for determining therapy. Thus, every tumour documented with the ESTHER system is automatically classified according to current TNM rules. The program is designed to cope with future changes of the TNM system: raw data are used for classification so that only the algorithms need to be modified.