The TNM classification for bladder cancer uses a combination of tumor, lymph node, and metastasis categories to determine the stage of cancer. This process involves three main inputs: tumor classification (T), lymph node classification (N), and distant metastasis (M).

For tumor classification (T), the options range from Tx to T4b, indicating the extent of tumor invasion, from unassessable (Tx) to invasion into pelvic or abdominal walls (T4b).

For lymph node classification (N), the options range from Nx to N3, describing the status of lymph nodes, from unassessable (Nx) to metastasis in common iliac lymph nodes (N3).

Lastly, distant metastasis classification (M) options assess the spread beyond the primary tumor, ranging from M0 (no metastasis) to M1b (metastasis to non-lymph node sites).

Here's how the calculator determines the stage:

- Stage 0a occurs if there is a non-invasive papillary carcinoma (Ta), no regional lymph node metastasis (N0), and no distant metastasis (M0).
- Stage 0is is specific to carcinoma in situ (Tis) with no regional lymph node metastasis (N0) and no distant metastasis (M0).
- Stage I is assigned when the tumor invades lamina propria (T1), with N0 and M0.
- Stage II is reached if the tumor invades muscularis propria (T2a or T2b), with N0 and M0.
- Stage IIIA is marked by further invasions (such as T3a, T3b, or T4a) with N0 and M0.
- Stage IIIB involves any tumor invasion from T1 to T4a, with single or multiple regional lymph node metastases (N1 or N2) and M0.
- Stage IVA results if the tumor invades the pelvic or abdominal walls (T4b) with N0 and M0, or meets the criteria of other invasions (such as N1 or N2) with metastasis beyond common iliacs (M1a).

Finally, Stage IVB represents non-lymph node distant metastasis (M1b) with any range of tumor or lymph node classification (from T1 to T4b and N1 to N3).

The arrangement of stages provides a structured view of how far the cancer has progressed, which aids in determining prognosis and treatment pathways.

The calculator in question is the TNM Classification for Bladder Cancer. TNM stands for Tumor, Node, Metastasis, and it is a globally recognized system used to stage different types of cancers, including bladder cancer. 

This classification system applies specifically to patients diagnosed with bladder cancer. It helps clinicians to determine the extent of the cancer's spread, which is crucial for planning appropriate treatment strategies and predicting patient prognosis. 

The TNM system for bladder cancer includes three components: T (Tumor), which describes the size of the primary tumor and whether it has invaded nearby tissue; N (Node), which indicates whether the cancer has spread to nearby (regional) lymph nodes; and M (Metastasis), which denotes whether the cancer has metastasized to other parts of the body.

There are no specific exclusion criteria for the use of the TNM Classification for Bladder Cancer. However, it may not be fully applicable or accurate in patients with rare forms of bladder cancer or those with multiple primary tumors.