Stage I Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
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Stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is split into two categories: IA and IB. The specific diagnosis depends on the size and location of the tumor. The five-year survival rate for patients diagnosed with stage I lung cancer is about 60 - 80 percent. Response to treatment, health at the time of the diagnosis and quitting smoking are factors that could improve your survival rate if you are diagnosed with stage I lung cancer.
Similar to stage 0 lung cancer, stage I often does not present symptoms, and so the discovery of the cancer can occur when evaluating other symptoms or health issues. Since the cancer has not spread, other symptoms such as weight loss, pain and fatigue are not likely to occur.
Stage IA Lung Cancer
For patients diagnosed with stage IA non-small cell lung cancer, the cancerous tumor is 3 cm across or smaller, and it has not extended into the membranes surrounding the lungs. Stage IA lung cancer does not affect the main area of the bronchi, and has not spread to lymph nodes or other organs.
TNM Categories of Stage IA
A stage IA lung cancer diagnosis occurs in conjunction with the following TNM categories:
- T1A/T1B – If the tumor is 2 cm or less across it is T1A, if it is larger than 2 cm but smaller than 3 cm, it is characterized as T1B.
- N0 – The cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes.
- M0 – The cancer has not spread to distant organs or other areas.
Stage IB Lung Cancer
In patients with stage IB lung cancer, the primary tumor is larger than 3 cm, but smaller than 5 cm. In addition, the tumor has one of the following features, and is not larger than 5 cm.
- The tumor has spread into the main bronchus, but is not within 2 cm of the carina, the cartilaginous ridged area that separates the opening of the right and left main bronchi stems.
- The tumor has spread into the thin, serous membranes surrounding the lungs, also known as the visceral pleura.
- The lung has partially collapsed, or developed an inflammation in the carina.
TNM Categories of Stage IB
- T2A – If the tumor is larger than 3 cm but smaller than 5 cm, it is classified as T2A. If the tumor is larger than 5 cm across but smaller than 7 cm, it is considered T2B.
- N0 – The cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes.
- M0 – The cancer has not spread to distant organs or other areas.
Stage I Lung Cancer Treatment
In both stage IA and IB lung cancer, surgery may be a treatment option, as the cancer has not spread to other areas of the body. Here are a few specific types of surgery that may be part of a treatment plan. Factors that are considered when choosing the appropriate treatment include the severity of the disease and the overall health of the remaining lungs.
- Wedge Resection - The surgical removal of cancerous cells in the lung, as well as a margin of surrounding healthy tissue. Wedge resection may be an alternative option to a lobectomy (removing the entire lung).
- Lobectomy – The surgical removal of a lobe of the lung.
- Pneumonectomy – The surgical removal of an entire lung.
While the stage I non-small cell lung cancer means the disease has not spread to other organs, it is still more advanced than the occult stage or stage 0. Therefore, sometimes radiation therapy will be used after surgery to reduce the risk of metastases.
