Galletti B, Freni F, Muscianisi F, Galletti F, Galletti C
Istituto Policattedra di Otorinolaringoiatria e Patologia cervico-facciale, Università di Messina.
Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital. 1994;14(1):11-8.
Using the most recent TNM revision as a basic framework to build upon, the Authors set up a graphic representation of the larynx on the basis of data gathered using clinical-instrumental examination. This graph, which allows automatic extrapolation of the degree of T, represents various sites and subsites of the larynx (including the pre-epiglottic area, the retro-cricoid area and the piriform sinus) which are divided by different coloured lines. This simple graphic representation of cancerous tumours, whose various colours indicate tumor extension in depth (data had with CT and RM), allows for automatic T classification of larynx cancer on the basis of T extension as well as on that of the degree of vocal cord impairment. Particularly useful for students in memorizing TNM classification, this graph, furthermore, groves to be a means of facilitating under standing the disease as well as opinion exchange among members of the medical staff. As furthermore proves of utmost value in patient management in that it may be fed into computerized management programmes containing individual patient's records thereby permitting a more rapid classification of the tumor. Moreover, the data easily stored in the programme are readily accessible for eventual statistical elaboration. The Authors conclude with a proposal of the eventual use of a similar graph of other sites in the body which may be adapted in the event of future TNM revisions.
作者们以最新的TNM修订版作为基本框架，在此基础上，根据临床仪器检查收集的数据，构建了喉部的图形表示。该图形能够自动推断T分期程度，它展示了喉部的各个部位和亚部位（包括会厌前区、环状软骨后区和梨状窦），这些区域由不同颜色的线条划分。这种对癌性肿瘤的简单图形表示，其不同颜色表明肿瘤在深度上的扩展情况（通过CT和MRI获得的数据），能够根据T扩展情况以及声带受损程度对喉癌进行自动T分类。该图形对于学生记忆TNM分类特别有用，此外，它还成为促进对疾病的理解以及医务人员之间意见交流的一种手段。在患者管理方面，它还具有极高的价值，因为可以将其输入包含个体患者记录的计算机化管理程序中，从而实现对肿瘤更快速的分类。此外，程序中易于存储的数据便于最终进行统计处理。作者们最后提议，最终可以使用身体其他部位的类似图形，在未来TNM修订时可能会进行调整。
