Stages of Lung Cancer

First published Jan 17, 2020

Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer in the world, and it is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. While advances in screening and treatment have improved outcomes for many patients, understanding the stages of lung cancer remains one of the most important parts of the diagnosis process.

Lung cancer stages describe how large the cancer is and whether it has spread. Most non-small cell lung cancers are staged from 0 to 4, while small cell lung cancer may also be described as a limited or extensive stage. Doctors use cancer staging to determine how advanced the disease is, evaluate potential treatment options, and develop an individualized care plan.

Whether you are newly diagnosed, supporting a loved one, or researching symptoms, or considering alternative lung cancer treatment, understanding the different lung cancer stages can help you make more informed decisions about your health.

Understanding Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is any type of cancer that originates in the lungs. This differs from cancer that develops elsewhere in the body and later spreads to the lungs, which is known as secondary lung cancer.

There are two primary types of lung cancers:

• Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type, accounting for approximately 80% to 85% of all cases of lung cancer.
• Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is less common but typically grows and spreads more quickly.

Lung cancer often develops silently during its earliest phases. Because symptoms may not appear until the disease progresses, many patients do not realize they have cancer until diagnostic testing is performed.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Many cases of early lung cancer cause few or no symptoms. However, certain warning signs should not be ignored.

Consider seeking medical attention if you experience these early signs of lung cancer:

• Persistent cough
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Hoarseness
• Chest pain
• Coughing up blood
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Bone pain
• Headaches

The presence and severity of symptoms vary depending on the location of the tumor, the stage of lung cancer, and whether the cancer has spread beyond the lung where it started.

Diagnosing Lung Cancer

Those who have an increased risk of lung cancer (usually those who have a history of heavy smoking or asbestos exposure) may be recommended to receive annual lung cancer screenings in the form of a low-dose CT scan. These annual screenings are usually offered to people over the age of 55 who have a history of heavy smoking but are otherwise healthy.

Aside from these annual screenings, if you believe you might have lung cancer, your doctor can recommend a variety of tests to diagnose your health. This usually starts with a basic physical examination and discussion of your family’s medical history or genetic causes of lung cancer.

How Doctors Determine Lung Cancer Stage

After a lung cancer diagnosis, doctors perform additional testing to determine the extent of the disease.

Several tools may be used during the cancer staging process:

Imaging Tests

Imaging studies help identify the size and location of a lung tumor and determine whether the cancer may have spread beyond the lungs.

Common imaging tests include:

• Chest X-rays
• CT scans
• PET scans
• MRI scans
• Bone scans

Biopsy Procedures

A biopsy involves removing tissue so doctors can examine lung cancer cells under a microscope.

Biopsy methods may include:

• Needle biopsy
• Bronchoscopy
• Thoracentesis when fluid is present around the lung

Lymph Node Evaluation

Doctors also evaluate whether the cancer has begun to spread to lymph nodes, particularly lymph nodes within the chest and lymph nodes within the lung.

The TNM Staging System

Many doctors use the TNM system when staging non-small cell lung cancer:

• T (Tumor): Describes the size of the tumor and whether it has grown into nearby structures
• N (Nodes): Indicates whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes
• M (Metastasis): Indicates whether the cancer has spread to distant organs

Together, these findings help determine the overall stage of cancer and guide future treatment decisions.

What Are the Stages of Lung Cancer?

The stages of lung cancer describe how much cancer is present in the body and how far it has spread from its original location.

Doctors use staging to determine:

• The size of the tumor
• Whether the cancer has spread to nearby tissues
• Whether the cancer has spread to lymph nodes
• Whether the cancer has spread to distant organs

In general, lower stages indicate more localized disease, while higher stages mean the cancer is more advanced.

For non-small cell lung cancer, stages range from Stage 0 to Stage 4. For small cell lung cancer, doctors may use TNM staging but often classify the disease as either limited stage or extensive stage.

Understanding your lung cancer stage helps your medical team evaluate prognosis and determine appropriate lung cancer treatment strategies.

Lung Cancer Stages Explained

The table below provides a simplified overview of the different stages of lung cancer.

What’s Next To Knowing Lung Cancer Stages?

The cancer staging process is a key part of understanding how far lung cancer has progressed and which treatment paths may be appropriate. Knowing the stages of lung cancer can also help patients better understand their treatment options and what may come next in their care.

If you are experiencing symptoms such as a persistent cough, coughing up blood, unexplained weight loss, or worsening shortness of breath, do not wait to get evaluated. Early medical attention can help clarify whether the issue is lung cancer or another condition and whether further testing is needed.

At Immunity Therapy Center, we provide personalized cancer care and alternative cancer treatment for patients looking beyond conventional options. If you or a loved one is facing a lung cancer diagnosis, contact our team to learn more about our approach.

Sources:

1. American Lung Association. Lung Cancer Symptoms. https://www.lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/lung-cancer/learn-about-lung-cancer/symptoms/
2. CDC. Lung Cancer. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/lung/basic_info/diagnosis_treatment.htm
3. American Cancer Society. Tests for Lung Cancer. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/lung-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/how-diagnosed.html
4. American Cancer Society. Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Stages. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/lung-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/staging-nsclc.html
5. American Cancer Society. Small Cell Lung Cancer Stages. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/lung-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/staging-sclc.html

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