About Lung Cancer
Staging
The stage of your cancer is one of the most important factors in determining the best treatment option for you.
Staging of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC):
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TNM is the staging system for NSCLC. “T” stands for tumor size, “N” stands for lymph nodes and “M” is for metastasis.
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Tumor size is determined when the tumor is removed and sent to the pathologist
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Lymph nodes are checked for evidence of tumor spread with CT scans, PET scans, lymph node biopsy or at the time of surgery, in a procedure called a lymph node dissection.
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Metastasis, or spread to other organs, is assessed with bone scans, x-rays and CT scans.
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Putting all this information together is called staging. Stages for NSCLC range from stage 0 to Stage IV. Your physician will tell you what stage of cancer you have.
Staging of Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC):
SCLC is generally divided into Limited-Stage Small Cell and Extensive-Stage Small Cell
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Limited-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer is found in one lung, the tissues between the lung and nearby lymph nodes only.
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Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer has spread from the lung in which it began into the other lung, or to other parts of the body.
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