Epididymal invasion is classified as which T stage rather than T1?

Epididymal invasion refers to the involvement of the epididymis by cancer, which is significant in the staging of testicular tumors. The correct classification of this condition is as T2 rather than T1.

In the TNM staging system for testicular cancer, T1 indicates that the tumor is limited to the testis and has not spread to structures like the epididymis, while T2 signifies that there is invasion beyond the testis itself, including the epididymis. When the cancer invades the epididymis, it indicates a more advanced disease that warrants a higher T stage. Thus, T2 is appropriate as it reflects the tumor's local extension to adjacent structures beyond what T1 describes.

The other classifications do not accurately reflect the process of epididymal invasion. T3 generally indicates tumors that invade the spermatic cord or surrounding tissues, while T4 would suggest invasion into nearby organs, which is not the case for epididymal involvement specifically. Tx indicates that the primary tumor cannot be assessed, which is not applicable here since there is clear evidence of the tumor's local spread. Therefore, T2 is the correct classification because it appropriately encompasses tumors that extend to the epididymis.