Rules for Classification

The classification applies only to carcinomas of the major salivary glands. Tumours arising in minor salivary glands (mucus‐secreting glands in the lining membrane of the upper aerodigestive tract) are not included in this classification but at their anatomical site of origin, e.g., the lip. There should be histological confirmation of the disease.

Regional Lymph Nodes

See Head and Neck Tumours.

TN Clinical Classification

T – Primary Tumour

TX	Primary tumour cannot be assessed
T0	No evidence of primary tumour
T1	Tumour 2 cm or less in greatest dimension without extraparenchymal extension* (Fig. 115)
T2	Tumour more than 2 cm but not more than 4 cm in greatest dimension without extraparenchymal extension* (Fig. 116)
T3	Tumour more than 4 cm and/or tumour with extraparenchymal extension* (Figs. 117, 118)
T4a	Tumour invades skin, mandible, ear canal and/or facial nerve (Fig. 119)
T4b	Tumour invades base of skull, and/or pterygoid plates, and/or encases carotid artery (Fig. 120)

Note

^* Extraparenchymal extension is clinical or macroscopic evidence of invasion of soft tissues or nerve, except those listed under T4a and 4b. Microscopic evidence alone does not constitute extraparenchymal extension for classification purposes.