What should be done if multiple organs or structures are involved in the diagnosis?

When dealing with a diagnosis that involves multiple organs or structures, the most appropriate approach is to choose the highest category that includes an involved structure. This method ensures that all relevant factors are encapsulated accurately within the classification, reflecting the overall severity and complexity of the condition.

When determining cancer stage, it's crucial to adopt a comprehensive view of involvement. By selecting the highest category, you account for the most advanced stage of disease affecting the patient, which is essential for treatment planning, prognosis assessment, and understanding the patient's overall condition. It acknowledges that the more extensive the involvement, the more serious the implications for the patient’s health outcomes.

This approach stands in clear contrast to the other options. Averaging stages or selecting the lowest category would not provide an accurate depiction of the disease's complexity or severity. Assigning a summary stage based solely on symptoms fails to consider the objective findings needed for accurate staging. Thus, the emphasis on the highest category ensures that the classification reflects the most serious involvement, which is critical in cancer care and research.