Cancer is classified as stage 3 when it has reached a certain size and has spread to other areas of the body. To determine the cancer’s stage, a pathologist examines the tumor under a microscope. The pathologist compares the cancer tissue to healthy tissue, which often contains many different types of cells. The cancer stage and treatment options will depend on this information. This article will discuss the stages of cancer and how to choose the most appropriate treatment options.
Treatment options for cancer in stage 3 can include surgery, radiation therapy, or a combination of the two. Depending on the extent of the tumor, the treatment may include surgery to remove it or radiation therapy. This type of treatment is sometimes combined with chemotherapy. The patient may also receive palliative care during stage 3B. Regardless of the type of treatment, patients should expect a high quality of life if their condition is treated early.
Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is another form of cancer that can reach the third stage. These tumors are more advanced than their stage I counterparts and may have spread to lymph nodes. As such, they are usually inoperable. Non-small cell lung cancer is caused by smoking and is a result of second-hand smoke exposure. Smoking causes stage three lung cancer, but secondhand smoke can also be inhaled, such as from a hookah. As a result, tumors in this stage tend to grow and spread, becoming a more advanced form of the disease.
Although it is not possible to cure lung cancer in stage III, it is treatable. Early testing is the key to catching stage III lung cancer when it is most curable. Surgery may help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life, but other forms of treatment are used to control the disease. Combinations of treatments are usually recommended to maximize the chances of survival. The most effective treatments may involve a combination of chemotherapy and radiation. The goal of chemotherapy is to cure the cancer throughout the entire body system.
A patient’s symptoms for cancer stage 3 may include persistent cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Cancer in the lungs can also cause hemoptysis, or coughing up blood. Additionally, tumors that have spread to the chest wall or diaphragm can cause pain in the chest, the ribs, and the back. Some patients may experience fatigue and unintentional weight loss. If any of these symptoms persist, consult your doctor as soon as possible.
Stage 3A lung cancer is considered locally advanced. It has spread to lymph nodes on the same side of the chest as the primary tumor. Moreover, the cancer may have affected the lining of the lung, the chest wall, and the nerve that controls the voice box. It may even have spread to the heart, esophagus, or chest bone, or carina. It is important to see a doctor early to determine the best treatment options.
