Stage 0 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
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Stage 0 Carcinoma In Situ
Stage 0 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), also known as carcinoma in situ, is an early stage of lung cancer that has not spread beyond the lungs. With this stage, only a few layers of cancer cell have been discovered in one local area, and have not broken through the top lining of the lung.
Since the cancer has not spread, the prognosis is similar to that of the occult stage, with a five-year survival rate of 60 – 80 percent.
TNM Categories of Stage 0
A stage 0 lung cancer diagnosis occurs in conjunction with the following TNM categories:
- Tis – Cancer is found only in the top layers of cells lining the air passages, and has not extended deeper into the lung tissue.
- N0 – The cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes.
- M0 – There has been no spreading to distant organs or other areas.
What Is Stage 0 Lung Cancer?
This stage of lung cancer often does not present symptoms, and so the discovery of the cancer can occur when evaluating other symptoms or health issues. Symptoms that might appear are a persistent cough, shortness of breath or fatigue. Since the cancer has not spread in stage 0, outer lying symptoms such as weight loss, pain and fatigue are not as likely to occur.
Stage 0 Lung Cancer Treatment
Surgery – Since lung cancer often spreads before it is diagnosed, surgery is typically not an option. However, for many with stage 0 lung cancer, surgery may be effective in treating the cancer. If the surgery is successful, then chemotherapy and radiation may not be necessary.
Endobronchial Brachytherapy - Endobronchial brachytherapy is an innovative form of radiation therapy that uses high-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy to destroy tumors in the lungs or throat, via the bronchial tubes. This therapy can be used in some cases of stage 0 non-small cell lung cancer.
