Tests and stage of lung cancer

Stage of lung cancer usually depends on how extensive the tumor has spread throughout the body. This stage includes a good evaluation of tumor size and the presence or absence of metastases that spread to the lymph nodes to other organs. Cancer staging is very important to know, for the sake of determining a prediction about the tumor. For example, the high-stage tumors that certainly had a more difficult recovery prognosis when compared to prognosis tumors with a lower stage.

See also: Cancer treatment that has been medically proven

To determine a lung cancer stage, the doctor will perform several tests accurately beforehand as X-rays, blood tests, PET scan, bone scan, MRI and CT scans. It is very important to do accurately, given the results of this test determines how difficult the treatment that will be done later. In addition, by conducting such tests, the doctor can also find the rare types of a cancer.

Stage 1

In the first stage lung cancer, usually the size of the tumor remained below 5 cm. Cancer still be around the lung and has not spread to the lymph nodes or other organs.


Stage 2

If tumor is within 2 cm of the carina, this is stage 3

In stage 2 lung cancer, tumor is larger than 5 cm and has begun to spread and move into some parts such as the diaphragm, wrapping layer of the lungs, chest cavity and lymph nodes.

Stage 3

In stage 3 lung cancer, the cancer is not only spread to the lymph nodes and chest between the heart and lungs. However, the veins have also been exposed. In fact, cancer also may have spread to the neck.

Stage 4

In stage 4 lung cancer, the cancer has spread and attack the brain, the liver or the lungs next to, or have already appeared fluid containing cancer cells around the lungs and heart. At this stage the cancer can no longer be removed with surgery / surgeries.

See also: Stage of mesothelioma cancer

Note:
CT-Scan: The test to detect the spread of cancer in the liver, adrenal glands, brain and other organs.
Bone Scan: Tests that can show the spread of cancer to the bone.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): The test that uses a powerful magnet linked to a computer that is able to create images of organs and tissues tissues in the human body more clearly.
PET Scan: Tests to detect the spread, changes and activity of cancer cells, as well as provide information on the stage of the cancer.