Stage 3 Lung Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Survival Rate

Lung cancer is one of the most common and deadly cancers worldwide. When diagnosed at stage 3, it indicates that the disease has advanced significantly but not yet reached its final stage. Stage 3 lung cancer, though treatable, presents a difficult challenge in terms of treatment and management. In this blog, we will explore the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and survival rates for stage 3 lung cancer, aiming to provide a clear understanding of this critical stage of the disease.

What is Stage 3 Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer is typically classified into two types: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Stage 3 lung cancer refers to cancer that has spread beyond the lungs but not to distant organs like the liver or brain. Stage 3 is divided into two sub-stages:

1. Stage 3A: The cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or other surrounding structures such as the chest wall or diaphragm, but it has not reached distant organs. Surgery may still be an option in some cases, depending on the size and location of the tumor.
2. Stage 3B: The cancer has spread more extensively within the chest area, involving multiple lymph nodes or critical structures like the heart or blood vessels. In this sub-stage, surgery is generally not an option, and treatment focuses on shrinking the tumor and managing the symptoms.

Stage 3 lung cancer is serious and often requires a combination of treatments. While it is not as advanced as stage 4, it still presents significant challenges due to the spread of cancer within the chest.

Also read: What Stage Of Lung Cancer Is Curable?

Symptoms of Stage 3 Lung Cancer

Lung cancer can often go unnoticed in its early stages because symptoms may be subtle or resemble other conditions like infections. By the time it reaches stage 3, the cancer typically causes more noticeable symptoms, including:

1. Persistent Cough

A chronic cough that doesn’t improve, and may produce blood or mucus, is common in people with lung cancer. The cough may worsen over time.

2. Shortness of Breath

As the tumor grows, it can obstruct the airways or press against nearby structures, leading to breathing difficulties. This symptom often worsens with physical exertion but can also occur while at rest.

3. Chest Pain

Pain in the chest is common in stage 3 lung cancer. It may feel like a sharp or dull ache, and it may worsen when coughing or breathing deeply. Tumors pressing on the chest wall or ribs often cause this pain.

4. Fatigue

Extreme tiredness is another common symptom. Fatigue can result from the body’s effort to fight cancer or from the strain caused by difficulty breathing.

5. Unexplained Weight Loss

People with lung cancer often experience weight loss, even when they are eating normally. This is typically due to the body’s increased metabolism as it fights cancer.

6. Wheezing

Wheezing, a high-pitched whistling sound while breathing, can occur when the tumor narrows the airways.

7. Swelling in the Neck or Face

If the cancer obstructs blood flow through the veins, it can cause swelling in the neck or face, a condition known as superior vena cava syndrome.

8. Hoarseness

A change in voice or hoarseness can result from cancer affecting the vocal cords or nearby structures in the throat.

These symptoms can sometimes be confused with those of other illnesses, such as infections or chronic respiratory conditions. However, if these symptoms persist, it’s important to see a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis.

Also read: In Which Stage is Lung Cancer Surgery Successful?

Diagnosis of Stage 3 Lung Cancer

To diagnose stage 3 lung cancer, doctors typically rely on a combination of medical history, physical exams, and diagnostic tests. The following methods are commonly used to confirm the diagnosis:

1. Physical Examination and Medical History

The doctor will ask about your symptoms, lifestyle (such as smoking history), and any prior respiratory conditions. A physical exam will help identify visible signs of lung cancer.

2. Imaging Tests:

• • Chest X-ray: A chest X-ray is typically the first step in identifying abnormal growths in the lungs. However, it may not show smaller tumors, so further testing is often necessary.
  • CT Scan (Computed Tomography): A CT scan provides detailed cross-sectional images of the chest and allows doctors to examine the tumor’s size, shape, and location. It can also show if the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
  • PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography): A PET scan can detect areas of active cancer in the body and help doctors assess whether the cancer has spread to other organs.

3. Biopsy

A biopsy involves removing a small sample of tissue from the tumor to confirm whether it is cancerous. Biopsy methods include a needle biopsy, bronchoscopy (a tube inserted into the lungs), or surgery.

4. Mediastinoscopy

This procedure helps doctors collect tissue from lymph nodes in the chest to check for cancer spread. A small incision is made in the neck to insert a camera and biopsy tools.

5. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

An MRI may be used if there is suspicion that the cancer has spread to the brain or spinal cord.

Once diagnosed, doctors will determine the stage of the cancer and develop a treatment plan based on the extent of the disease.

Treatment Options for Stage 3 Lung Cancer

Treatment for stage 3 lung cancer depends on various factors, including the type of lung cancer (NSCLC or SCLC), the size and location of the tumor, and the patient’s overall health. The main treatment options for stage 3 lung cancer are:

1. Surgery

Surgery is often considered for stage 3A lung cancer when the tumor is still localized and can be removed. Surgical options include:

• • Lobectomy: Removal of an entire lobe of the lung where the tumor is located.
  • Pneumonectomy: Removal of an entire lung if the tumor is large and affects the whole lung.

2. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. It is commonly used in combination with surgery or radiation therapy. It can also be used as a primary treatment for inoperable tumors, especially in stage 3B.

3. Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells. It may be used before surgery to shrink tumors, after surgery to kill remaining cancer cells, or as the main treatment in cases where surgery is not an option.

4. Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy boosts the body’s immune system to help it recognize and fight cancer cells. It has shown promise in treating some types of non-small cell lung cancer and is sometimes combined with chemotherapy.

5. Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy involves using drugs that target specific molecules involved in cancer growth. These drugs are often used when the cancer cells have certain genetic mutations that make them vulnerable to specific treatments.

6. Palliative Care

For patients who cannot undergo surgery or who are not responding to treatments, palliative care can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. This approach focuses on comfort and supportive care rather than curing the cancer.

Survival Rate for Stage 3 Lung Cancer

The survival rate for stage 3 lung cancer varies depending on factors such as the type of cancer (NSCLC or SCLC), the patient’s overall health, the extent of spread, and the treatment response. The 5-year survival rate for stage 3 non-small cell lung cancer is approximately 20% to 50%, with stage 3A having a higher survival rate than stage 3B. For small cell lung cancer, survival rates tend to be lower.

It is important to note that survival rates are statistical averages and cannot predict individual outcomes. Many patients live longer than expected due to advances in treatment, such as immunotherapy and targeted therapy.

Conclusion

Stage 3 lung cancer is a serious diagnosis, but treatment options are available that can help manage the disease and improve quality of life. While survival rates for stage 3 are relatively low, new treatments continue to offer hope for better outcomes. Early detection, a personalized treatment plan, and ongoing care are crucial for improving survival rates and managing symptoms. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of lung cancer, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to explore all available treatment options.