The ORC Patient/Tumor Classification--New Approach: A New Challenge with Special Consideration for the Lung (Operability (O), RESECTABILITY (R) and Curability) (Clinical Report‪)‬

1. Introduction Each year a large number of patients are seen with thoracic tumors. Most of these patients are afflicted with tumors of the lung and in particular with carcinoma of the lung. The patients are seen by their primary and consulting physicians and are classified according to their tumor in many instances. The current most frequently used tumor classification is the TNM classification. This classification is based on the tumor size, the nodal assessment and the metastatic condition of the patient. However, the TNM classification process does not take the patient's physical condition into consideration-only the tumor considerations. Therefore, prognosis and statistics may be skewed as a result of the condition of the patient even when they theoretically may have potentially curable lesions. For a number of years, we have reviewed and considered the patients from another non TNM standpoint utilizing a process or classification entitled the ORC classification. This classification takes the patient's physical condition into consideration when reviewing treatment options. In addition, the TNM program may be utilized as a portion of this patient/tumor evaluation. More recently, a number of articles have been published suggesting that there are potential problems related to TNM staging and suggesting modification of the system [1,2].