Rules for Classification

The classification applies only to mucosal malignant melanomas of the head and neck region, i.e., of the upper aerodigestive tract. There should be histological confirmation of the disease and division of cases by site.

Regional Lymph Nodes

The regional lymph nodes are those appropriate to the site of the primary tumour. See Head and Neck Tumours.

TN Clinical Classification

T – Primary Tumour

TX	Primary tumour cannot be assessed
T0	No evidence of primary tumour
T3	Tumour limited to the epithelium and/or submucosa (mucosal disease) (Fig. 112)
T4a	Tumour invades deep soft tissue, cartilage, bone or overlying skin (Fig. 113)
T4b	Tumour invades any of the following: brain, dura, skull base, lower cranial nerves (IX, X, XI, XII), masticator space, carotid artery, prevertebral space, mediastinal structures (Fig. 114)

Note

Mucosal melanomas are aggressive tumours, therefore T1 and T2 are omitted, as are stages I and II (Figs. 113, 114)

Regional Lymph Nodes

pTN Pathological Classification

The pT and pN categories correspond to the T and N categories.