Lung cancer staging is a method used by physicians to determine how far the cancer has spread in order to provide the appropriate treatment intervention. According to Cancer Research UK, the process of staging provides information on the size of the tumor, if cancer exists in the lymph nodes, and whether the cancer has spread anywhere else in the body. The two main forms of lung cancer include small cell and non-small cell lung cancer. The American Cancer Society indicates that most cases of lung cancer are non-small cell type. Non-small cell lung cancer is staged from 0 to 4, with subsets in between, according to the National Cancer Institute. The higher the number stage, the more advanced the cancer. Stage 3 to 4 signifies the progression of cancer in the lungs, as well as cancer invasion to other organs.
Stage 3A
The National Cancer Institute explains that the presence of tumors during this stage may be any size. Stage 3A signifies the existence of cancer cells in the lymph nodes near the lungs or between the lungs, as well as on the same side of the chest as the tumor. The cancer also spreads to the chest wall, diaphragm or around the layers covering the heart, according to Cancer Research UK. Symptoms during this stage include difficulty breathing from fluid buildup around the lungs, pleural effusion or fluid around the chest cavity and increased pain from the cancer spreading.
Stage 3B
Similar to stage 3A, stage 3B signifies continued spread of the cancer on the opposing side of the chest, diaphragm and heart layers. The National Cancer Institute notes that other organs are impacted by the spread of cancer at this juncture, including the esophagus and trachea. Several malignant growths may appear within the lobes of the lungs and fluid continues to increase.
Stage 4
Stage 4 is the ending stage of lung cancer. Both lungs are infected and metastasis, or cancer spreading, to the other parts of the body resumes. The Mayo Clinic indicates the cancer invades the brain, liver and adrenal glands at this point. The survival rate is low and preparation for end of life is prominent. Increased problems with shortness of breath, also called dyspnea occurs, as well as fatigue, and delirium can take over. The National Cancer Institute notes that pain relief is essential during stage 4, as well as setting up hospice services for the person with cancer to remain as comfortable as possible.
