Objective: Evaluate the changes included in the 5th edition of the TNM classification in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Patients and methods: Retrospective study of 103 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated with radical intention in our centre from 1985 to 1997. A reclassification according to the criteria defined in the 5th edition of the TNM was carried out. The loco-regional control and survival obtained when patients were classified with the 4th and 5th editions of the TNM were compared.
Results: The use of the 5th edition of the TNM led to a decrease in local category (T) and stage grouping, improving the prognostic capacity in local control and survival. The changes included in the 5th edition of the TNM did not modify the regional classification in a essential way.
Conclusions: The changes included in the 5th edition of the TNM improved the classification of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.