Facts on File Encyclopedia of Health and Medicine

lung cancer 209

BASIC STAGING OF NON–SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER (NSCLC)

Stage Extent of Cancer Treatment Protocols/Options
stage 0 cancer cells are present only in the lining of the bronchi surgery or local therapy
(carcinoma in situ)

stage 1a tumor is less than 3 centimeters (cm), does not involve a surgery (lobectomy)
major BRONCHUS, and has not spread beyond the site of origin possible adjuvant RADIATION THERAPY

stage 1b tumor may be more than 3 cm, may have spread to the PLEURA, surgery (lobectomy)
or partially blocks a bronchus but has not spread to LYMPH probable adjuvant radiation therapy
NODES

stage 2a tumor is less than 3 cm and has spread to adjacent lymph nodes surgery (lobectomy or pneumonectomy)
but not to the pleura or sites beyond the lung adjuvant radiation therapy

stage 2b tumor may be more than 3 cm, may have spread to the pleura, surgery (lobectomy or pneumonectomy)
or partially blocks a bronchus and has spread to local lymph adjuvant radiation therapy
nodes possible adjuvant chemotherapy
alternately, tumor may be of any size and involves the chest wall,
mainstem bronchus within 2cm of carina, or causes atelectasis
of the whole lung

stage 3a tumor may be of any size and involves the chest wall, mainstem radiation therapy and CHEMOTHERAPYin
bronchus within 2cm of carina, or causes atelectasis of the combination
whole lung possible surgery
extension to mediastinal lymph nodes

stage 3b tumor may be of any size but there is extensive, unresectable radiation therapy and chemotherapy in
invasion of local structures and/or distant lymph node combination, possibly in preparation for
involvement surgery

stage 4 cancer has spread to locations distant from the lung palliative chemotherapy or radiation therapy
supportive care

STAGING OF SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER (SCLC)

Stage Extent of Cancer Treatment Protocols/Options
limited cancer is present in only one lung though may have spread to CHEMOTHERAPY, possibly in combination
adjacent LYMPHnodes with RADIATION THERAPY
possibly surgery if small, localized tumor
without further involvement
possible prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI)

extensive cancer is present in both LUNGS, adjacent lymph nodes, and chemotherapy
other organs (disseminated disease) palliative measures to relieve symptoms