[TNM classification of gynecological tumors]

Gynecological tumors of cervix uteri, corpus uteri, ovary, vagina, and vulva are classified by the TNM systems. The definitions of the T categories correspond to several stages accepted by FIGO (Federation Internationale de Gynecologie et d'Obstetrique). Those of regional lymph nodes are different among primary sites. The relationships between 5-year survival rates and TNM stages were investigated in cervical and endometrial carcinoma cases in 1985 by the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (JSOG). The pTNM pathological classification had a better relationship with survival than the TNM clinical classification, respectively. According to the rules for TNM classification, T categories should be assessed by physical examination, cytoscopy and urography. These data indicate that prognostic factors could not be accurately assessed by these procedures. Radiotherapy for cervical carcinoma is selected in many cases. The JSOG adopts the clinical classification in 1997, but it had a pathological classification for corpus uteri and ovary in 1995.