Stages of Lung Cancer

The most common method to detect lung cancer levels is called the TNM System. T (1-4) indicates the size and direct expansion of the primary tumor. N (0-3) indicates how much cancer has spread to lymph nodes (lymph nodes). M (0-1) indicates whether cancer spreads to other parts of the body or not. For example, a small tumor which is not spread in lymph nodes and distant parts can be displayed as T1N0M0.

Depending on the size and structure of the cancer cell through the microscope, pulmonary cancers can be classified mainly into two types - Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and Small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Non-small cell lung cancer is the cause of 80% of lung cancer, while for the remaining 20%, small cell lung cancer is responsible.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer(NSCLC)-

The NSCLC can be further divided into four different types, each of which has different options for the lung cancer treatment-

Squamous cell carcinoma or epidermoid carcinoma
This is the most common type of NSCLC and the most common type of lung cancer in men. It is constructed in the inner surface of bronchial tubes.

Adenocarcinoma
This is the most common type of lung cancer in women and non-smokers. Adenocarcinoma is produced in the glands producing mucus in the lungs.

Large cell undifferentiated carcinoma
In the rapidly increasing cancer, large cell undifferentiated carcinoma develops on the outer edges of the lungs or near the surface.

Bronchioalveolar carcinoma
This type of lung cancer is a rare type of adenocarcinoma, which is formed near the lung air sacs.

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC)-

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is identified by small cells. These cells increase their numbers very quickly and make big tumors, which spread throughout the body. SCLC is caused by smoking in almost all cases. About 10% to 15% of lung cancer are of SCLC.

Stages of non-small cell lung cancer
TNM for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Helps in the simple classification of phases. These steps are labeled from 1 to 4. Small numbers indicate the starting phase, where the cancer is spread less.

Stage 1
Occurs when the tumor is found only in one lung and not in the lymph nodes.

Stage 2
Occurs when cancer spreads in the lymph nodes present around the infected lungs.

Stage 3
It is divided into two parts:

• Stage 3A
• It occurs when cancer spreads in the lymph nodes around the breathing hose, chest wall, and diaphragm located on the side of the infected lung.
• Stage 3B
• Occurs when cancer spreads to other lungs or lymph nodes present in the neck.

Stage 4
Occurs when cancer spreads to the whole body and other parts of the lungs.

Stages of small cell lung cancer

It involves two stages of small cell lung cancer - limited and widespread.

Limited-stage
In a limited level, the tumor is present in the lymph nodes present in and around a lung.

Extensive-stage
At large, the tumor infects other organs of the body along with the other lungs.