Diagnosing Lung Cancer
Types & Stages of Lung Cancer
It’s important to know that not all lung cancers are the same. If your doctor says you have lung cancer, one of the first things to ask is what type you have. Also, ask what stage. With that information, you and your doctor can decide what the best treatment will be for you. There are three main types of lung cancer. They are non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, and lung carcinoid tumor. These three types of cancer all start in your lung but they act differently. Your medical team will determine the type of cancer by looking at a sample of the cancer cells under a microscope.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Non-small cell lung cancer, or NSCLC is the most common type of lung cancer—accounting for more than 8 of every 10 lung cancers. There are five possible stages, numbered with Roman numerals. Your doctor will determine the stage of your cancer by its size, its location, and whether it has spread to lymph nodes or to areas outside your lung.
Surgery alone may be the treatment for Stage 0 cancer. Standard treatment for stage I is surgery with or without cancer drugs (chemotherapy) or X-ray treatments (radiation therapy). A combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation may be the treatment for stages II-IV.
Small Cell Lung Cancer
Small cell lung cancer, or SCLC, spreads easier than non-small cell lung cancer. Fewer than 2 of every 10 lung cancers are small cell. Most doctors use a two-stage system to describe the status of small cell lung cancer:
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Limited stage. These cancers are on one side of the chest. Common treatment of limited stage small cell lung cancer is a combination of chemotherapy and radiation.
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Extensive stage. These cancers have spread across to the other lung or to distant parts of the body. Doctors treat this stage of small cell lung cancer with chemotherapy alone.
Lung Carcinoid Tumor
Lung carcinoid tumors have the highest chance for cure because they rarely spread. Less than 1 of every 10 lung cancers is a carcinoid tumor. Most doctors who treat lung cancer use only two stages to describe lung carcinoid tumors:
- Resectable stage. Surgery may be done to remove the cancer at this stage. Surgery alone may cure it.
- Unresectable stage. Surgery cannot completely remove these cancers. Chemotherapy and radiation are the usual treatment.
The Importance of Lung Cancer Staging
The type and stage of lung cancer affect the type of treatment you will need. For instance, some newer lung cancer treatments are an option for non-small cell but not the small cell type of lung cancer. With a firm handle on the terminology for lung cancer type and stage, you’ll be prepared to talk with your doctor about the best options for treating your cancer.
