According to the TNM system, what does "M" represent?

In the TNM classification system used for staging cancer, "M" specifically stands for "metastasis." This aspect of the system indicates whether cancer has spread from its original site to other parts of the body. This information is crucial for determining the severity of the cancer and helps guide treatment options and prognosis.

The TNM system is structured as follows: "T" refers to the size and extent of the primary tumor, "N" indicates whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, and "M" focuses on distant metastasis. When "M" is marked as M0, it means that there is no evidence of distant metastasis, whereas M1 indicates that metastasis is present. Understanding this component is vital for accurately assessing a patient’s cancer stage and formulating an effective treatment plan.