How is lung cancer staged

How is lung cancer staged?

The staging of lung cancer is determined by using the TNM system. The TNM system includes the size of the tumor (T), the involvement of lymph nodes (N), and the extent of metastasis (M). Clinically, staging assessment requires a series of examinations, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. Doctors also need to perform biopsies and pathological examinations to determine the type and grade of the tumor. Based on all the test results and the grade, the stage of lung cancer is determined, and a treatment plan is developed based on this.

Lung cancer is staged using the TNM system, which divides lung cancer into four stages:

Ⅰ, Ⅱ, III, Ⅳ. As the stage level increases, the condition becomes more serious and the difficulty of treatment increases.

1. Early stage of lung cancer

Lung cancer can be divided into stage IA and stage IB. In stage I lung cancer, cancer cells are only present in the primary site and have not yet metastasized to adjacent organs. Stage IA means that the tumor volume of the primary site is small, while stage IB means that the tumor volume of the primary site is large or located in a site that is easy to spread. Simple surgical resection can be performed for treatment.

2. Stage II of lung cancer

Stage II lung cancer is divided into two categories: stage IIA and stage IIB. In stage II lung cancer, cancer cells tend to spread to nearby lymph nodes. Stage IIA tumors are small and slow growing, while stage IIB primary tumors are relatively large and grow in areas where they can spread easily. These tumors and the affected lymph nodes can be treated with surgical removal.

3. Stage III lung cancer

Stage III lung cancer can be divided into: Stage IIIA and Stage IIIB. In Stage IIIA, the cancer cells have spread to the central lymph node area on the same side of the chest, making surgical removal more difficult. In Stage IIIB, the cancer cells have spread to the lymph node area on the opposite side of the chest.

4. Stage IV lung cancer

Cancer cells have been transported through the blood to other organs and tissues in the body. This is a sign of advanced cancer and can no longer be treated with surgery.