Information About Lung Cancer Stages & Treatments: CTCA


Lung Cancer Stages

Information on Lung Cancer Stages

Lung cancer is broken down by stages that describe how far the cancer has spread. This staging process is important because it can help determine the options available to treat the cancer. The staging system consists of four groups, stages I through IV. Each one of these stages helps to provide information on the size of the tumor, if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and whether it has metastasized to other parts of the body.

If you are interested in learning more about the different lung cancer stages and how they may be treated, please keep reading. You can also find out more about lung cancer stages and possible treatment options by chatting with us online. To chat with one of our Oncology Information Specialists, follow this link: Chat about Lung Cancer Stages and Treatment. You can also call 800-615-3055. Our Oncology Information Specialists are available around the clock to answer your questions.

Lung Cancer Stage I

In stage I, the lung cancer is localized. No cancer is found in the lymph nodes and it has not metastasized to other parts of the body.

Stage I lung cancer can be broken down into two different stages: Stage IA and IB. Stage IA indicates that the tumor is fairly small, 3 centimeters or less across. Stage IB indicates that the tumor is larger than 3 centimeters across, or is growing in the main bronchus. This stage includes cancers that have caused a partial collapse of the affected lung.

Lung Cancer Stage II

Stage II lung cancer is subdivided into stages IIA and IIB. Stage IIA lung cancer is small, but unlike stage I, has spread to the lymph nodes. In stage IIB, the cancer can either be larger than 3 centimeters and apparent in the lymph nodes, or it has spread to surrounding tissue, but not to the lymph nodes.

Lung Cancer Stage III

Stage III lung cancer is staged as either IIIA or IIIB. In stage IIIA, the cancer has either spread to lymph nodes further away from the affected lung on the same side, or is still only in the lymph nodes nearest to the affected lung, but has spread to surrounding tissue.

Stage IIIB lung cancer occurs if:

The cancer has spread to lymph nodes on the other side of the chest, or above the collarbone
More than one tumor has formed in the affected lobe
The cancer has spread to another structure in the chest (e.g., the heart)
Fluid containing cancer cells has formed around the lung

Lung Cancer Stage IV

Stage IV is the most advanced stage of lung cancer. In stage IV, the cancer has spread to another lobe of the lung or to another part of body, such as the liver or stomach.

Treating the Different Lung Cancer Stages

There are a variety of methods used to treat the different lung cancer stages. At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), you will be treated with conventional treatments proven to help fight lung cancer, such as surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Your type of lung cancer, the extent of your disease, prior treatment received, your general state of health and your personal wishes are all influential factors in determining the most appropriate cancer treatment.

We are committed to treating all of you—not just your disease—with cutting-edge medical technology and advanced medical therapies. Our unique approach allows us to fight your lung cancer with every available resource. And, unlike other hospitals and treatment facilities, at CTCA you will find a comprehensive and integrative approach to fighting cancer—all under one roof.

To learn more about our innovative approach to cancer treatment, call us at 800-615-3055 to speak with one of our Oncology Information Specialists.

Additional Cancer Information and Resources

Don't miss this additional lung cancer information. Click on the links to the right to learn more about lung cancer or call 800-615-3055 to discuss your treatment options with one of our Oncology Information Specialists.

Lung Cancer Stages