Stage IVB Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma AJCC v7

**Semantic type:** Neoplastic Process

**Definition:** Stage IVB includes: Any T, N3, M0. N3: Nasopharyngeal cancer with metastasis in a lymph node (s) more than 6 cm in greatest dimension and/or to supraclavicular fossa. Supraclavicular zone or fossa is relevant to the staging of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and is the triangular region originally described by Ho. It is defined by three points: (1) the superior margin of the sternal end of the clavicle, (2) the superior margin of the lateral end of the clavicle, (3) the point where the neck meets the shoulder. This would include caudal portions of levels IV and VB. All cases with lymph nodes (whole or part) in the fossa are considered N3b. M0: No distant metastasis. (AJCC 7th ed.)

**Synonyms:** - Stage IVB Carcinoma of Nasopharynx - Stage IVB Carcinoma of the Nasopharynx - Stage IVB Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma - Stage IVB Nasopharyngeal Throat Cancer - Stage IVB Nasopharynx Carcinoma