Staging of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer staging is the process of identifying the extent of the cancer. Lung cancer staging has been developed through careful studies and based upon past patient information. New lung cancer staging system revealed Extensive NSCLC database prompts new patient subgroups. The original system and database laid the strong foundation for lung cancer staging, as we know it today; however, the staging system had limitations.

Staging

Staging is the process of finding out how large the lung cancer is and how far it has spread. Methods of Lung Cancer Staging Lung cancer staging is done through a few different methods. Conventional staging was done with standard modalities, including bronchoscopy and blood testing. Staging of non­small-cell lung cancer with integrated positron-emission tomography and computed tomography. Unfortunately, no matter how advanced staging becomes, new treatments will be needed to help make the success of lung cancer treatment more effective.

Lung cancer staging process

Some doctors are hesitant to give patients a complete prognosis because there is still a large error rate in the lung cancer staging process. Determining a cancer’s stage is vital to providing the right treatment; however, accurate lung cancer staging has been difficult until recently. As more research is done and new information is found, lung cancer staging will continue to change and become even more accurate. The goal is to make lung cancer staging easy for the patient, but also as thorough as possible.

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Lung Cancer Symptoms-What to Look For

Executive Summary about Lung Cancer Symptoms by James S. Pendergraft

Lung Cancer Symptoms

Lung cancer symptoms are very elusive and misleading. As of now there is no screening procedure for lung cancer. Symptoms are almost non existent where lung cancer is concerned.

Some of the symptoms that we can investigate are as follows:

1 – A new persistent cough that refuses to go away. Smokers usually have cough but if they have cancer the severity of the cough would be different.
2 – Chest pain is another indication that usually goes unnoticed. The pain can deepen with difficulty in breathing accompanied with cough or laugh.

3 – The throat is hoarse and when accompanied with wheezing can indicate inflammation of the lungs which could be cancer.

4 – There is gradual loss of weight due to loss of appetite.

5 – Hemoptysis or coughing up blood is a sure indication of cancer. The coughed up phlegm would be rust colored showing the presence of blood.

6 – The patient can suffer from shortness of breath due to blockage of air caused by pleural effusion or fluid collection around the lungs or spread of tumor in the lungs.

7 – Repeated respiratory illnesses like bronchitis and pneumonia are a cause for concern. This could be indicative of lung cancer.

Lung cancer usually is found to spread to the bones, the brain, liver, pericardium or the lining of the heart, adrenal glands and also from one lung to another. The spread of the cancer brings with it the onset of more symptoms like -

1 – Bone pain if the cancer has spread to the bones. The pain is felt in the back bone or vertebrae, the thigh bones and the bones making up the ribs.

2 – Headaches, weakness of vision, numbness of appendages, dizziness and seizures if the spread of the cancer is to the brain.

3 – Jaundice is caused when the liver is affected by the liver. This is usually not detected and is discovered much later. Initial symptoms of the cancer spreading to liver are nonexistent.

4 – If the spread of cancer affects the lymph nodes then lumps appear on the surface of the body usually in the neck or above the collar bone.

Clubbed fingers, anemia, fatigue, weight loss, muscle weakness, skin rashes, low sodium content, degeneration of brain etc are all symptoms that have been found to exist in all types of cancer including lung cancer.

3 Potential Small Cell Lung Cancer Symptoms

Executive Summary about Lung Cancer Symptoms By Thomas Parker

There are two main types of lung cancer; small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Of these two types, SCLC represents around 20%.

1) A PERSISTENT COUGH:- Other coughs can even cause pain. You should inform your doctor if you notice any type of persistent cough and if any phlegm or blood comes up you should inform them right away.

2) BREATHLESSNESS:- Feeling breathless for no apparent reason is another potential small cell lung cancer symptom.

3) CHEST PAIN:- Chest pain is a very serious symptom which is linked with a number of conditions including SCLC. The chest pain may be caused by coughing or deep breathing.

Many of the symptoms of small cell lung cancer are linked to the chest. If you notice any of the symptoms discussed above you should inform your doctor right away.

Small cell lung cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

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