Stages of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Staging is the process of classifying lung cancer by the size and location of tumor cells. The TNM system of staging categorizes Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) by tumor size and extent of spreading (T), lymph node involvement (N), and
metastasis (M). Through surgery or scanning tests, this information is gathered and put together to determine the stage of the disease.
NSCLC Stages
NSCLC stages range from I (least advanced) through IV (most advanced). Unfortunately, only a small portion of patients are diagnosed with stage I or II NSCLC, which may be easier to treat. This is because there are usually no clear symptoms of the disease in its early stages. Roughly 75% of NSCLC patients are diagnosed with stage III or IV disease.
Stage I is the earliest stage and means that the tumor in the lung is small and has not spread to the lymph nodes.
Stage II indicates that the tumor is either more advanced or has spread to the lymph nodes nearest the tumor.
Stage III indicates that the tumor involves adjacent tissue and/or has spread to more distant lymph nodes.
Stage IV indicates that the tumor has spread to other organs in the body, most commonly the brain, bone, adrenal glands, opposite lung, and liver.
Choose a link below for more information about the types, diagnosis, and treatment for lung cancer.
Types of Lung Cancer
Diagnosis of Lung Cancer
Treating Lung Cancer
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