Which staging system is used globally to classify the extent of cancer spread?

The TNM staging system is widely recognized as a global standard for classifying the extent of cancer spread. This system utilizes three key components:

1. T (Tumor): This component indicates the size and extent of the primary tumor.

2. N (Nodes): This component assesses whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.

3. M (Metastasis): This component identifies whether there is distant spread of the cancer to other parts of the body.

The strength of the TNM system lies in its ability to provide a standardized method for healthcare professionals globally, enabling them to communicate effectively about the stage of a patient's cancer, facilitating treatment planning, clinical trials, and prognostic assessments.

While other staging systems like AJCC, FIGO, and UICC may also be used for specific types of cancers or within certain contexts, TNM is the most recognized and utilized internationally for a wide range of cancers, making it the preferred choice for classification of cancer spread on a global scale.