Which classification is specifically applicable when surgery is performed before adjuvant therapy?

The pTNM classification is specifically applicable when surgery has been performed, and it is mainly used to reflect the pathological findings of the tumor after it has been surgically removed. In this classification system, the "p" denotes "pathological," meaning it incorporates the evaluation of the tumor, regional lymph nodes, and distant metastasis based on the examination of the tissues obtained during surgery.

This classification is particularly pertinent in cases where surgery is done prior to adjuvant therapy. The information obtained from the surgery provides critical evidence about the extent of the disease, which in turn influences the treatment decisions and prognostic predictions. Therefore, when adjuvant therapy follows surgery, the pTNM classification gives a detailed and accurate depiction of the disease state, which is essential for tailoring subsequent treatment and assessing patient outcomes.

Other classifications such as ycTNM, cTNM, and rTNM serve different purposes. For instance, the ycTNM classification applies to cases where treatment, like chemotherapy or radiation, is given before surgery, while the cTNM classification reflects the clinical staging before any treatment, and the rTNM classification refers to the classification after recurrence. Thus, the pTNM classification is uniquely designed for the scenario where surgical intervention occurs prior