A higher TNM category usually indicates what for the patient?

A higher TNM category indicates a greater extent of the disease. The TNM classification system, which stands for Tumor, Node, and Metastasis, is a widely used staging system that helps in assessing the severity and spread of cancer.

In this system, the "T" denotes the size and extent of the primary tumor, "N" indicates whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, and "M" refers to the presence of metastasis, or spread to distant sites in the body. As the TNM categories increase, it typically signifies a more advanced stage of cancer; for example, a larger tumor size, more lymph nodes involved, or presence of metastases.

This categorization is crucial for treatment planning, determining prognosis, and inform the overall management of the disease. Consequently, patients with a higher TNM category generally face more extensive disease and potentially poorer outcomes compared to those with lower categories.

The other options, such as better likelihood of recovery, lower risk of recurrence, and improved prognosis, are not accurate in the context of higher TNM categories as they typically correlate with more severe disease and increased treatment complexity.