Non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer are the two type of lung cancer. There are around six stages in lung cancer. The chance of a person surviving goes down with each stage.
The first stage is called the hidden or occult stage. Cancer cell can be found either in the mucus or the sputum that has been coughed up. However one can’t find the tumor using bronchoscopy or imaging. This is may be due to the small shape of the tumor.
Stage 0 or the second stage is said to be the carcinoma in situ stage. Abnormal cells can be found in the airway’s lining during this stage. There are chances that these cells might become cancerous and as result infect the tissues next to them.
Stage 1 or the third stage of lung cancer is divided into two – stage 1A and stage 1B. These stages are based on the tumor size and the extent to which it has spread in the lungs.
Stage 2 or the fourth stage is divided into 2A and 2B. Each of these stages is further divided into two. The size of the tumor along with its location and the affect it has on lymph nodes plays a vital role in its classification.
Stage 3 or the fifth stage is divided into – 3A and 3B. These stages are further divided into 3A1, 3A2, 3A3, 3B1, and 3B2. The effect of the cancer cells on the lymph nodes is the basis of this classification. The organs found in the chest region that have been affected also plays a great role in the classification of this stage.
Stage 4 or the sixth stage is the final stage of lung cancer stages. During this stage the cancer has spread and has affected many other parts of the body, like kidney and brain. The sixth stage or stage IV is the final stage in which cancer has spread to other parts of the body including the kidney and brain.
The survival chance goes down with each of the lung cancer stages. Treatment for each of these lung cancer stages vary.
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