[New and changed guidelines in the TNM system of head and neck tumors]

Starting on the 1st of January 1987, the 4th edition of the UICC classification of the TNM-system is to be applied. Only slight changes have been made in the rules for the larynx and the skin, whereas the classification of the nodal status has undergone a more profound change. New rules have been established for the classification of salivary gland and maxillary sinus tumours, including a stage grouping for the salivary glands. The R-classification is new and changes have been made in the histological grading. The head and neck part of the edition is presented. The classification for the maxillary sinuses is compared to a personal system covering all the sinuses and the nose: its usefulness has been proven by successful documentation of 1224 cases.