Which AJCC edition does this tool use?

This tool implements the AJCC Cancer Staging Manual, 8th Edition (2017) for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Does M1 always mean Stage IV?

Yes. Any T and N combination with M1a, M1b, or M1c (any distant metastasis) is classified as Stage IVA or IVB, depending on whether there is single or multiple extra-thoracic organ involvement.

What is the difference between M1a, M1b, and M1c?

M1a indicates separate tumor nodule(s) in a contralateral lobe or pleural/pericardial effusion. M1b indicates a single extra-thoracic metastasis. M1c indicates multiple extra-thoracic metastases in one or more organs.

Does this tool cover small cell lung cancer (SCLC)?

No. This tool is for non-small cell lung cancer only. Small cell lung cancer typically uses a limited/extensive disease classification and has different TNM staging conventions.

What does TX or NX mean?

TX means the primary tumor cannot be assessed; NX means regional lymph nodes cannot be assessed. These indeterminate values do not produce a definitive stage group.

Is this tool a substitute for clinical judgment?

No. This tool is for educational and reference purposes only. Staging decisions for patient care must be made by qualified clinicians using complete pathologic and clinical data.

TNM Staging for Lung Cancer

Name: TNM Staging for Lung Cancer
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Select T, N, and M values to instantly look up the AJCC 8th edition stage group for non-small cell lung cancer.

TNM Input

Select one value per category, then read your stage on the right.

T — Primary Tumor

N — Regional Lymph Nodes

M — Distant Metastasis

T Category Quick Reference

T1a≤ 1 cm

T1b> 1–2 cm

T1c> 2–3 cm

T2a> 3–4 cm or involves main bronchus, visceral pleura, atelectasis

T2b> 4–5 cm

T3> 5–7 cm or chest wall / pericardium invasion

T4> 7 cm or mediastinal invasion

Select T, N, and M values, then click Determine Stage.

AJCC 8th Edition Stage Groups (NSCLC)

Stage	T	N	M
0	Tis	N0	M0
IA1	T1mi, T1a	N0	M0
IA2	T1b	N0	M0
IA3	T1c	N0	M0
IB	T2a	N0	M0
IIA	T2b	N0	M0
IIB	T1a–T2b	N1	M0
	T3	N0	M0
IIIA	T1a–T2b	N2	M0
	T3	N1	M0
	T4	N0–N1	M0
IIIB	T1a–T2b	N3	M0
	T3–T4	N2	M0
IIIC	T3–T4	N3	M0
IVA	Any T	Any N	M1a, M1b
IVB	Any T	Any N	M1c

Summary

Select T, N, and M values to instantly look up the AJCC 8th edition stage group for non-small cell lung cancer.

How it works

Select the T (tumor size/extent) category that best matches clinical or pathologic findings.
Select the N (regional lymph node) category reflecting mediastinal and hilar lymph node involvement.
Select M0 (no distant metastasis), M1a, M1b, or M1c to reflect metastasis status.
The tool immediately displays the AJCC 8th Edition stage group.
A color-coded badge and plain-language explanation help interpret the result.
Use the Reset button to clear all selections and start over.

Use cases

Quickly cross-check a lung cancer staging assignment during chart review.
Educate medical students and residents on NSCLC TNM classification.
Verify staging before preparing a tumor board presentation.
Explore how different T/N combinations affect the overall stage.
Reference AJCC 8th Edition lung staging logic without a physical manual.
Support multidisciplinary team discussions on treatment planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: 2026-05-23 · Reviewed by Nham Vu