4 main Stages of Lung Cancer

Staging of lung cancer relates to a system of classification, where the growth of cancer. This allows physicians a guide to determine which treatments are most effective and the aggressiveness of treatment should be administered. There is also a way to determine the possible outcome of the case of lung cancer. The lower frame, the greater the chances of full recovery.

The process of deciding how far lung cancer has reached, as the staging of lung cancer. This is achieved by a series of tests including x-rays, blood tests, bone scan, etc. The goal is achieved, determine the tumor size or tumor and whether the cancer has spread to other tissues (metastasis).

X-rays, MRI and CT scans help determine the size and location of tumors. Bone scan and blood tests can determine if cancer has spread to other organs or bones. PET can show whether a tumor is growing.

Staging of lung cancer also depends on the type of cancer. For example, lung cancer cells in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), four levels, whereas in small cells lung cancer (SCLC), two ... limited stage and extensive stage. Here to give a brief overview gives you an idea of the differences between the various stages:

Non-small cell lung cancer Satage I: The cancer is confined to the lung. This step provides a significantly better prognosis. Trapped lung cancer at this stage, a better survival rate of 49% five years.

Non-small cell lung cancer Satage II: The cancer of the lungs and lymph nodes is limited in the lungs, the recovery rate of 40-50%.

Non-small cell lung cancer Stage III: The cancer has spread to the lungs, but limited to the breast area. Larger, more invasive tumors, usually diagnosed as belonging to this phase.

Non-small cell lung cancer Stage IV: Cancer has spread outside the breast and spread to other parts of the body such as liver, adrenal glands, bones, brain and / or other websites.

Limited Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer: Cancer is confined to the breast, and not to spread outside the base.

Small Cell Lung Cancer Extended Stage: extensive stage small cell lung cancer has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body has.

The treatment recommended by your doctor, take into account the stage of lung cancer, and the size and location of tumors and their overall health. Of course, you will be automatically entered in the aggressiveness of the cancer can be done and all that that entails. Oncologists are increasingly beginning to accept that the prognosis of a patient with lung cancer - as for all cancer patients - is deeply concerned about the attitude of the patient and the decision-making influence.