Abstract: The eighth edition of TNM staging system for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma has made several significant improvements on the basis of the previous one, which further increases its value in evaluating prognosis and guiding treatment strategies. However, results of some studies suggested that there’s room for improvements in some respects. This article briefly summarized the major differences between the two editions, the remaining disadvantages of the current system, the latest research progress and its potential development in the future.

Key words: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, TNM staging, Prognostic factor