Freelance Writing Jobs | Today's Articles | Sign In

The Different Stages of Lung Cancer

Latest Cancer Research & Facts from The National Cancer Institute

Apr 1, 2009 Bernard P. Nelson

The different stages of lung cancer are listed and explained. Facts about lung cancer stages include small cell lung cancer and large cell lung cancer.

After a lung cancer diagnosis, tests will be performed to determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. After the tests are evaluated the physician can determine the lung cancer stage. Lung cancer stages can be determined for small cell lung cancer and large cell lung cancer, according to The National Cancer Institute.

Small Cell Lung Cancer

Cancer can spread in the body in three different ways, according to an article titled “Stages of Small Cell Lung Cancer.” The article (author unknown), dated 2/13/2009, is published on The National Cancer Institute web site. When cancer cells in the body break away from the original cancerous tumor they can spread in these three ways:

To tissue surrounding the tumor.
Through the lymph system.
Through blood.

When cancer spreads through the lymph system and/or blood a second tumor may form. The process is called “metastasis.” The secondary (metastatic cancer) will be the same type as the original cancer. The small cell lung cancer stages are:

Limited Stage. When the cancer is found in only one lung, tissue between the lungs, or lymph nodes near the lung.
Extensive Stage is when the cancer has spread outside of the cancerous lung or lungs, and spreads to another part of the body.

Large Cell Lung Cancer

“The process used to find out if cancer has spread within the lungs or to other parts of the body is called staging,” according to an article titled “Stages of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.” The article (author unknown), dated 12/24/2006, is from the National Cancer Institute, and published on their web site. The article can be found by typing the article name in the web site search box. The different stages of non-small cell, or large cell lung cancer are:

Occult Stage. The occult (hidden) stage is when cancer cells are found in mucus (sputum) that is coughed up from the lungs, but no tumor can be found.
Stage 0 (Carcinoma in Situ). When cells that are abnormal are discovered in the inner lining of the lung which may become cancer and spread.
Stage 1. In stage 1A cancer is discovered in the lungs only. In stage 1B the cancer is growing larger, spreading to the main part (bronchus) of the lung, and/or spreads to the innermost layer covering the lungs.
Stage 2. Combination of both 1A and 1B.
Stage 3A. When cancer spreads to lymph nodes on “...the same side of the chest as the tumor...the tumor may be any size...cancer may have spread throughout the lungs.
Stage 3B. When the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes above the collarbone and/or on opposite side of chest, and other areas of the body including major blood vessels leading to the heart.
Stage 4. In final stage lung cancer the cancer has spread to both lungs, other parts of the body, such as “...brain, liver, adrenal glands, kidney, prostrate, or bone.”

Facts About Lung Cancer

The National Cancer Institute, in their two articles, determine the stages of lung cancer using different tests such as a lab test, MRI, bone scans, ultrasound, and biopsy. According to both articles cancer can spread to other parts of the body, and that is why early detection is important. Common symptoms are related to lung cancer, but a common symptom may or may not be diagnosed as lung cancer. When multiple symptoms are present, the chances are higher according to the National Cancer Institute, for a cancer stage diagnosis.

The copyright of the article The Different Stages of Lung Cancer in General Medicine is owned by Bernard P. Nelson. Permission to republish The Different Stages of Lung Cancer in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Fl;uid Filled Lungs Treatment