The TNM staging system classifies cancers based on the size of the primary tumor and whether it has spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver, bones, or adrenal glands. In lung cancer, a surgeon may perform a pneumonectomy, which involves the removal of a lung’s entire mass. This is the most common type of lung cancer surgery.
Exposure to toxins, such as smoke, is a significant risk factor for lung cancer. Exposure to dust, smoke, or particles in the air increases the risk. Other factors include a family history of lung cancer and work-related exposure to particle pollution. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, but other environmental factors can increase a person’s risk. In addition, radiation therapy to the chest increases a person’s risk of developing lung cancer.
Survival rates vary according to stage and subtype. For example, patients with regional NSCLC have a five-year survival rate of 35%, while those with metastatic lung cancer have a survival rate of 7%. Fortunately, newer therapies have been developed to improve survival rates and improve the quality of life for patients with advanced lung cancer. In some cases, the cancer may even be curable. The best way to make sure that you receive the best treatment is to be diagnosed early. It is also important to talk to your doctor about treatment options.
In the event that imaging tests are not able to detect a mass, a biopsy is necessary to determine the extent of the disease. An abnormal mass or a pleural effusion may be suspected. After the diagnosis, a biopsy may be performed to identify the type of cancer. A biopsy can be performed with a camera or a needle through the skin, depending on whether it is a lung tumor. Once the biopsy is complete, the doctor will use the biopsy result to determine the type of lung cancer the patient has.
The most common stage of lung cancer is Stage 1A, where the tumor is localized. The disease must be no bigger than 3 cm and not have spread to lymph nodes. If the tumor is larger than 3 cm, the cancer is Stage 1B, meaning it has spread to the main bronchus (the tube connecting the trachea to the lung), or the innermost layer of tissue wrapping the lung. The patient is advised to seek treatment as soon as possible, especially if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Stage 4 of the disease is more serious than Stage 1. It involves the invasion of other parts of the lung or other body organs. When it spreads to the lungs, it damages the pleura (the thin membrane that lines the inside of the chest wall) and surrounding tissues. It also spreads to the diaphragm and other organs. The symptoms of this stage include shortness of breath, pain, and hemoptysis, which is the process where air enters the lungs.
