[Changes in the TNM classification of head and neck tumors]

Only minor modifications were introduced in the classification of squamous cell carcinomas of the oro- and hypopharynx, namely in the definition of some T and N categories. A new TNM classification has been introduced for mucosal melanoma of the head and neck. Some proposals for ramification of the T1 categories of thyroid tumours have been adopted from the TNM Supplement, unfortunately not those proposed for the T3 categories. The new TNM classification of Merkel cell carcinomas, which frequently occur in the head and neck region, is also discussed.