Recognizing Various Stages of Lung Cancer Stages

Medical Video: Stage 1 and Stage 2 Lung Cancer

After a diagnosis of lung cancer, the doctor will usually tell the stage of the cancer you have. Most people already understand that the higher the stage level, the more serious the cancer condition. This is true, but the stage of lung cancer can also show complete lung and tumor conditions. Through this article, we will explain the stage of lung cancer in more detail.

Why do you need to understand the stage of lung cancer?

The stage of lung cancer can tell you about the location, size, and spread of the tumor. Through the stadium, doctors can discuss cancer development with patients without using too many medical terms. Stage of cancer is also an important part in determining the best treatment options for patients.

What are the stages of lung cancer?

The most commonly used classification system for most doctors is TNM stage calcification. Cancer is classified based on three factors, namely:

T shows tumor size and how far the tumor spreads.
N shows tumor involvement in the lymph nodes.
M shows metastasis, or the spread of tumors to other organs.

For example, if a tumor is not found, the status becomes T0. If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, then the status becomes N1.

There is a difference between the calcification of the stages of lung cancer with small and large cells.

Lung cancer with large cells

Lung cancer is more complex than lung cancer with small cells. The classification used is based on TNM stage. Here are the details:

Stage 1A. Cancer is found in the deepest layer of the lung and is also found in deeper lung tissue. The tumor is no more than 3 cm long and has not attacked the bronchi or lymph nodes.
Stage 1B. Cancer has grown bigger and deeper in lung tissue. The tumor has progressed through the lungs to the pleura, with a diameter of more than 3 cm, or has spread to the main bronchi but has not attacked the lymph nodes. Treatment of stage 1A / 1B lung cancer can be done through surgery and chemotherapy.
Stage 2A. Tumors less than 3 cm in diameter have spread to lymph nodes that are on the same side as the tumor area.
Stage 2B. The tumor has not spread to the lymph nodes, but has attacked the chest wall, main bronchi, pleura, diaphragm, or heart tissue. Stage 2B can also mean that the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and one of the following conditions actually occurs; tumor diameter is more than 3 cm, the tumor has grown in the bronchi, or the tumor has grown in the pleura.
Stage 3A. In this stage, the tumor is found in the lungs and in the lymph nodes in the middle chest area. Tumors in stage 3A can be removed surgically.
Stage 3B. Tumor size can vary. Lung cancer has attacked the lymph nodes and spread to both the lungs, neck, heart, large blood vessels, or esophagus, so that it cannot be removed through surgery. Tumors in stage 3B are generally treated through chemotherapy and sometimes radiation therapy.
Stage 4. Lung cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Stage 4 is the most recent stage of lung cancer. Patients may be candidates for clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of new drugs.

Lung cancer with small cells

Lung cancer with small cells usually does not follow the formal stage classification. This cancer tends to spread (metastasize) early and is classified into two stages, namely early stage and advanced stage.

Early stage shows that lung cancer is restricted to one side of the chest.

Advanced stage shows that lung cancer has spread to the outside of the chest, such as the liver, adrenal glands, bones and brain.

Lung cancer stage will help doctors determine the best treatment for you. Keep in mind that the stage does not always show results (prognosis) of your lung cancer. Prognosis depends on overall health conditions, strength, other medical conditions, and response to treatment.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Recognizing Various Stages of Lung Cancer Stages

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