What are the Stages of Lung Cancer?

Stages of Lung Cancer Explained

Lung cancer is caused by the abnormal growth of damaged lung cells in uncontrollable numbers. This results in the formation of tumours, which grow in various stages and spread throughout the lungs and other parts of the body.
For individuals at high risk, healthcare providers will suggest screening for early detection and intervention. To understand the treatment options available for lung cancer, it is first essential to have a clear idea of its various stages.

Keep reading to learn about the stages of lung cancer, its symptoms, and its causes!

What is the TNM System in Lung Cancer Staging?

Doctors use three factors to determine the stages of lung cancer. It is also referred to as the TNM system. Here’s how this system works:

● T – Denotes the location and size of the tumour
● N – represents the involvement of lymph nodes (ball-shaped organs of the immune system present throughout your body). It is necessary to check if the lymph nodes around your lungs are affected by cancer.
● M – Refers to the metastasis status that helps identify the organs affected by cancer.
To give additional details regarding the malignancy and help determine the phases indicated below, values are assigned to T, N, and M.

What are the Stages of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer?

The stages of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are as follows:

● Stage 0 (Tumor in situ/carcinoma)

It refers to the early stage of lung cancer, which affects the top lining of the bronchus or lungs.

● Stage 1

It is further divided into stages 1A and 1B, depending on the size of the tumour. In this stage, the lymph node and other parts of the body have not yet been affected by cancer.

● Stage 2

This stage is further divided into stages IIA and IIB and then into additional stages. These stages are marked as per the location and size of the tumour and whether it has affected the lymph nodes.

In stage 2, cancer will start to spread to the lymph nodes, and the tumours become larger than that of stage 1.

● Stage 3

It is categorized into IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC based on tumour size and spread. Typically, cancer spreads to mediastinal lymph nodes, indicating advanced local involvement.

● Stage 4

It is the most advanced stage of NSCLC, where cancer has spread or metastasized. In this stage, cancer spreads to the lining of one's lung and other parts of the body.

What are the Stages of Small Cell Lung Cancer?

The stages of small-cell lung cancer are as follows:

● Limited Stage

In this stage, cancer is spread only in the chest area between one’s lungs, i.e. the lymph nodes located in the mediastinum. It is found only in one of the lungs.

● Extensive Stage

Extensive-stage cancer spreads beyond the original lung, affecting the opposite lung or distant organs, indicating widespread involvement.

What are the Symptoms of Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer often mimics symptoms of less serious illnesses, making early detection challenging. Many people remain asymptomatic until the disease advances. However, some may experience early symptoms, which can include:

● Coughing up blood
● Chest pain or discomfort
● Persistent or worsening cough
● Loss of appetite
● Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
● Shoulder pain
● Swelling in the face, neck, arms, or upper chest
● Wheezing
● Hoarseness
● Unexplained weight loss
● Unexplained fatigue
● Horner’s syndrome (drooping eyelid, small pupil, reduced sweating on one side of the face)

Additionally, early signs might include recurring coughs or pneumonia that don't resolve with treatment. Common indicators like persistent coughs, shortness of breath, and unexplained weight loss often appear in later stages, emphasizing the importance of screening for those at higher risk.

What are the Causes of Lung Cancer?

Following is a detailed overview of the causes of lung cancer:

Lung cancer occurs when cells continue to divide uncontrollably due to mutations that disable their natural "off switch."
Usually, cells stop dividing or die when they have reached their limit or have too many mutations.
However, in the case of lung cancer, these mutated cells keep multiplying, disrupting normal cell function.
They can spread through the bloodstream or lymph nodes, causing damage elsewhere in the body.
The exact triggers for these mutations are unclear, but factors like smoking increase the risk of cellular damage, leading to lung cancer.

This uncontrolled cell growth results in tumours that can spread and cause significant health issues. Understanding these mutations is crucial for developing effective treatments and preventive strategies.

How to Prevent Lung Cancer?

Here are some of the ways you can reduce the risks of developing lung cancer:

● Avoid smoking
● Stop secondhand smoking and taking other substances that can damage your lungs
● Maintain a balanced diet that improves your lung health
● In case of higher risks, go for screening

Thus, knowing the stages of lung cancer and adopting preventive measures can help one reduce the chances of developing this disease. However, for people with a high risk or a history of lung cancer in the family, availing a comprehensive health insurance plan can help deal with the high costs of cancer treatment.

Check out the policies at Star Health to secure your health and finances!