Lugano classification is a standardized way to describe the stage and treatment response of lymphoma. It helps clinicians use the same language when reporting where lymphoma is in the body and how it is changing over time. It is commonly used in Hodgkin lymphoma and many types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It is most often applied using imaging such as PET/CT and CT, along with biopsy and clinical findings.

Ann Arbor staging is a clinical system used to describe how far certain lymphomas have spread in the body. It groups disease by which lymph node regions are involved and whether organs outside the lymph system are affected. It is most commonly used for Hodgkin lymphoma and is also used in selected non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Staging helps clinicians communicate clearly and plan care in a consistent way.

FIGO staging is a standardized way to describe how far certain gynecologic cancers have spread. It is published by the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO). Clinicians use it most often for cancers of the cervix, uterus (endometrium), ovary/fallopian tube, vulva, and vagina. It helps teams speak a common “stage language” when planning care and discussing outcomes.

pM is a staging term used in oncology within the TNM cancer staging system. It describes whether **distant metastasis** (spread to organs or tissues away from the primary tumor) has been confirmed by **pathology**. In plain language, pM reflects “metastasis proven by a tissue sample” rather than by imaging alone. It is commonly used in pathology reports and staging summaries for many solid tumors, though details vary by cancer type and staging rules.

cM is a cancer staging term that describes **clinical evidence of distant metastasis**. It is part of the TNM system used to summarize how far a cancer has spread. Clinicians assign cM using information from exams, imaging, and selected tests before definitive treatment. You may see cM in pathology and radiology reports, clinic notes, tumor board summaries, and treatment plans.

pN is a cancer staging term that describes whether cancer has spread to **regional lymph nodes** based on **pathology**. It is part of the TNM system used in many solid tumors, where “p” means **pathologic** (confirmed under a microscope). pN is usually assigned after lymph nodes are removed or sampled during surgery and examined by a pathologist. It helps clinicians communicate stage and plan care using a standardized, widely recognized format.

cN is the **clinical** assessment of whether cancer has spread to **regional lymph nodes**. It is part of the **TNM staging system**, which summarizes tumor extent before treatment. Clinicians assign cN using information from the exam, imaging, and sometimes needle biopsy. You will most often see cN in oncology clinic notes, pathology discussions, and staging reports.

pT is the **pathologic “T” category** in the TNM cancer staging system. It describes the **size and local extent of a primary tumor** based on tissue examined under a microscope. pT is most commonly assigned **after surgery** (or another procedure that provides enough tumor tissue). It is widely used in pathology reports and oncology care planning.

cT is the **clinical “T” category** in the TNM cancer staging system. It describes the **estimated size and local extent of the primary tumor** before any definitive treatment. cT is assigned using information from the **exam, imaging, endoscopy, and biopsy results** when available. It is commonly used in oncology clinics, tumor boards, and treatment planning conversations.

Stage IV is a cancer stage that usually means the cancer has spread beyond the original site. It is commonly used in solid tumors (such as breast, lung, colon, and prostate cancers). Stage IV can also be used differently in some cancers, depending on the staging system. It helps clinicians describe disease extent and plan treatment in a consistent way.