Stage 1 Lung Cancer- Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Success Rate

Lung cancer staging determines treatment and prognosis; Stage 1 is the mildest stage of lung cancer. It is easy for the disease to progress to the advanced stage without early detection in this stage as patients are recommended to seek medical attention.

Thus, there is a need to ensure that enough quality care is provided to the patients during such time. Understanding the type of diagnoses and treatments that patients who are diagnosed with stage 1 lung cancer receive is important. As we continue with this blog, we will be happy to walk you through what you should anticipate in the Stage 1 lung cancer treatment journey; from the moment you are diagnosed to when you are fully healed.

Understanding Stage 1 Lung Cancer Diagnosis

Stage 1 of lung cancer is confined to the lung tissue and has not extended to other areas of the lung or invaded structures such as the pleura, chest wall, or diaphragm. At this stage, the cancer is not fully grown but is also not uncontrollable hence it can be easily treated in this state since it has not spread out to other regions of the body. It is further divided into:

• Stage 1A: This is ≤3 cm in diameter.

• Stage 1B: The tumor is 3 cm-4 cm, or it extends to surrounding lung structures but has not spread.

Key characteristics of Stage 1 lung cancer

Chest specialists identify Stage 1 lung cancer through these defining features:

• Tumor size between 1-4 centimeters

• Cancer confined to lung tissue only

• No spread to nearby lymph nodes

• No metastasis to distant organs

Causes of Stage 1 lung cancer

The factors leading to lung cancer, including stage I, are quite diverse, and these may not be the same in different people. Below are the primary contributing factors:  

• Smoking: Tobacco use is still the biggest contributor to lung carcinoma contributing to almost one-fifth of the disease. Tobacco smoke interferes with the normal functioning of the lungs by mutating some of the cell structures leading to cancer.  
• Passive Smoke: Even for people who do not smoke, it is proved that the chances of getting lung cancer will rise when patients are exposed to passive smoke for a considerable amount of time.  
• Genetic Factors: Another possibility of developing lung cancer is hereditary risk because if someone in the family has such experiences then it is probably possible for him/ her to get lung cancer also. 
• Occupational Hazards: Lung cancers are more common among workers who are exposed to specific materials including arsenic, chromium, and diesel exhaust.

Stage 1 Lung Cancer Symptoms

In the beginning, lung cancer may not show symptoms or symptoms may be relieved and that makes diagnosis difficult. However, some warning signs may include:  

• Persistent Cough: A cough that persists for weeks or months without showing signs of letting up.

• Shortness of Breath: Shortness of breath or feeling out of breath after climbing a few steps or lying down.

• Chest Pain: Additional symptoms include chest pain, especially when aggravating factors such as deep breathing, or coughing are exerted.

• Wheezing: A condition which is characterized by whistling sound each time one breathes because of the narrowed airways.

• Fatigue: Sudden or continuing fatigue or loss of strength.
• Weight Loss: Unintended and unplanned episodes of weight loss.  

However, these symptoms could be similar to other respiratory illnesses and thus should be referred to the doctor for diagnosis.  

Diagnostic procedures and testing

Thoracic surgeons employ a comprehensive diagnostic approach. Initially, they conduct a thorough physical examination and review the patient’s medical history. Subsequently, they perform blood tests and chest X-rays as preliminary screening measures.

Diagnosis of Stage 1 Lung Cancer

Screening for early onset demands imaging, tissue sampling, and other methods. Common methods include:  

• Chest X-rays: Very often the first stage is the identification of abnormalities in the lungs.

• CT Scans: Provide detailed images of lung tissues and help identify small tumors.

• PET Scans: Used to determine whether a tumor is active and if cancer cells have spread.

• Biopsy: A small tissue sample is examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer cells.

• Molecular Testing: Helps identify specific mutations and guides targeted therapy decisions.  

Treatment for Lung Cancer Stage I

The goal of the treatment in Stage 1 lung cancer is to eradicate the tumor from the lungs completely. Options include:  

• Surgery: Surgery is the standard treatment for stage 1 lung cancer especially if the patient is still in a good overall health condition. Types of surgical procedures are:

• Lobectomy: Description of operation where a large portion of the lung, an entire lobe, is removed.
• Segmentectomy/Wedge Resection: Partial pulmonary resection is indicated for patients with less preserved lung function.  
• Radiation Therapy: In those patients who cannot undergo an operation, the cancer cells are irradiated using high-energy rays.
• Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT): A very accurate type of radiation therapy suitable for limited-area tumors.
• Targeted Therapy: In cases where genetic mutations (e.g., EGFR, ALK) are identified, targeted drugs can inhibit cancer growth.  
• Immunotherapy: Emerging as a promising option, immunotherapy boosts the body’s immune system to attack cancer cells.  
• Adjuvant Therapy: In some cases, additional treatments like chemotherapy may be recommended post-surgery to prevent recurrence.

Success Rate of Stage 1 Lung Cancer Treatment

In terms of its job, the prognosis for Stage 1 lung cancer is much better compared to the other stages. Differences in the prognosis depend on the stage, the size of the tumor, and the patient’s general state of health.  

5-Year Survival Rate

• Stage 1A: Approximately 90%.
• Stage 1B: Around 70-75%.  

These survival rates highlight the need for screening and early-stage intervention.

Conclusion

As it has been observed, Stage I lung cancer is operable if treated right away and has extremely high survival rates. Information on the risk factors, signs, and treatments is essential in reducing the impact of the condition in its early stages.  By employing such a strategy in organizing awareness, timely prevention, and intervention in the disease, many people can be afforded improved lung health as well as the quality of lung health in the future. Early action can make all the difference.