staging of lung cancer: Advanced Radiation Centers of New York

Once a biopsy has proven that there is lung cancer present, a number of studies and tests will be ordered to evaluate the stage or extent (or non-extent) of the disease. This typically involves a dedicated thin-slice CAT scan of the chest using intravenous contrast. A PET scan is usually also performed, or these two tests can be combined into a PET-CT scan. A scan of the brain, such as an MRI is used to rule-out spread to that area, and a bone scan may be performed to evaluate the skeletal system. A blood work-up will also be ordered and reviewed for any abnormalites or findings. Depending on the results of these studies, or particular symptoms or complaints a patient may have, other specific studies may be ordered to further investigate the extent of disease and to allow for proper management and treatment.

The staging system is shown in the diagram to the right. Stage I Lung Cancer is when the tumor is small in size and has not spread to membranes surrounding the lungs, and does not affect main branches of bronchi. Additionally in Stage I, the cancer has not spread to lymph nodes or any other distant organ.
In Stage II disease, the tumor has spread to the lymph nodes within the cancerous lung but not to any distant sites. Stage III Lung Cancer is found if there has been spread to the lymph nodes in the middle of the chest - away from the lungs. Stage IV disease occurs if the tumor has spread to the lymph nodes in the middle of the chest - away from the lungs.

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Lung Cancer Q&A

Staging and What Happens After Lung Cancer is Diagnosed