The TNM (Tumor, Node, Metastasis) staging system reflects the anatomic extent of lung cancer and seems to be the best prognostic indicator of overall survival in NSCLC patients.
Moreover, staging of NSCLC suggests but does not dictate a certain type of treatment for each TNM category. It is also a common language between the medical sub-specialties who are involved in the management of NSCLC and is a useful tool for the evaluation of response to NSCLC treatment.