Lung Cancer Stages
When it is first detected, lung cancer can be in any of a number of stages. The stage of cancer identifies how advanced the disease is and helps the doctor determine the best method of treatment for the individual patient.
The Stages of Lung Cancer
Early stages of cancer mean that the cancer is restricted to a single organ. A more advanced stage means that the cancer has spread to surrounding organs.
In Stage 0, the cancer is located in an extremely localized area and only affects the first few layers of cells. At this stage, the cancer has not yet progressed beyond the surface lining of a patient's lungs.
In Stage I, the cancer is located only in the patient's lungs and the tissue surrounding the lungs is normal.
In Stage II, the cancer has spread from the lungs and affected the lymph nodes near the lungs.
In Stage III, the cancer has spread to other organs surrounding the lungs, such as the diaphragm and the chest wall. In some cases, the cancer may also spread to separate parts of the lymphatic system.
In Stage IV, the cancer has spread to parts of the body that are not adjacent or near the lungs.
Tests to Determine the Stage of Lung Cancer
There are a number of different tests that enable the doctor to properly determine how much the lung cancer has spread. These tests are covered below.
Computed tomography (CT) scan: A CT scan is conducted by a computer that is connected to an x-ray machine. The scan takes very detailed pictures of the part(s) of the body being evaluated.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): This test utilizes a powerful magnet connected to a computer to take detailed pictures of the part of the body being evaluated.
Radionuclide Scanning: This technique allows the doctor to determine what stage a patient's cancer is in by having her swallow or receive an injection of a low-dose of radioactive material. A special machine will then record the changes in levels of radioactivity in the body.
Bone Scan: This method, during which levels of radioactivity are measured in certain areas of the body, reveals whether cancer has spread to the bones.
Mediastinoscopy/Mediastinotomy: Used to show whether cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the chest, mediastinoscopy/mediastinotomy requires the doctor to use a bronchoscope to examine the chest and surrounding lymph node, and extract a tissue sample.
Find a Lung Cancer Attorney in Your Area
If you or a loved one has developed lung cancer as a result to the exposure to a harmful substance, it is important to speak with an attorney to find out about potential legal entitlements. Use LawyerShop's directory to locate a lung cancer lawyer in your state.
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