What Stage Of Lung Cancer Is Curable?

When lung cancer is discovered early on, usually in stages I and II, when the tumour is localised and hasn’t moved outside the lung, it is most treatable. The greatest chance of recovery at this time is surgical tumour excision. It is essential to get prompt medical assistance from a specialist like Dr Harsh Vardhan Puri during these crucial phases. Renowned Thoracic oncologist Dr Puri specialises in creating individualised treatment regimens for each patient based on their specific needs. 

Patients can investigate a range of treatment options with the assistance of Dr Puri, including surgical tumour excision, which provides the highest chance of recovery. But as the cancer reaches stages III and IV, it gets harder to treat and necessitates a comprehensive strategy that can include radiation, chemotherapy, and targeted treatment.

Understanding Lung Cancer & It’s Staging

One of the biggest causes of cancer-related fatalities globally is still lung cancer, and the prognosis of the disease is greatly influenced by the stage at which it is discovered. To assess the disease’s severity and direct therapeutic choices, lung cancer staging is crucial. It divides lung cancer into various stages according to variables such as tumour size, location, involvement of lymph nodes, and metastasis to other organs.

Stage I Lung Cancer

The hallmark of stage I lung cancer is the existence of a small tumour that is contained inside the lung and has not migrated to neighbouring lymph nodes or other organs.

Surgery alone is frequently thought to be curative, particularly in cases when the tumour is found early. With the right care, stage I lung cancer patients can have a five-year survival rate of more than 70%.

Treatment for Stage I Lung Cancer

Surgical tumour excision, also referred to as a lobectomy or segmentectomy, is the main course of treatment for stage I lung cancer. Robotic surgery and video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) are examples of minimally invasive methods that may be used in specific circumstances. Depending on the particulars of the tumour and the patient’s general condition, adjuvant therapy—such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy—may be advised.

Stage II Lung Cancer

Although the tumour in stage II lung cancer is still contained inside the lung, it may have grown or migrated to neighbouring lymph nodes. Surgery is usually used in conjunction with radiation or chemotherapy for treatment. Stage II lung cancer has a high prognosis when compared to more advanced stages, however, this prognosis varies according to tumour size, location, and lymph node involvement.

Treatment for Stage II Lung Cancer

Similar to stage I illness, surgical resection is the main course of treatment for stage II lung cancer. However, depending on the size and location of the tumour, further surgery may be required. To lower the chance of a cancer recurrence, adjuvant therapy—such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy—may be suggested.

Stage III Lung Cancer

When a lung cancer tumour reaches adjacent lymph nodes or other tissues in the chest, it is referred to as locally progressed stage III lung cancer. Typically, treatment consists of a mix of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and occasionally surgery. Although curing the illness is the aim, stage III lung cancer is less curable than earlier stages because of the higher chance of tumour dissemination outside the chest.

Also Read :7 Warning Signs of Lung Cancer

Treatment for Stage III Lung Cancer

Chemoradiotherapy, a mix of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, is a common treatment strategy for stage III lung cancer. In certain situations, surgery is the next step in the process. The goal of this multimodal therapy approach is to increase the likelihood that the cancer will be completely removed following surgery and to maximise tumour shrinking.

Stage IV Lung Cancer

Metastatic or advanced lung cancer, commonly referred to as stage IV lung cancer, has progressed to distant organs such as the liver, brain, or bones. Treatment for stage IV lung cancer includes chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and supportive care measures, to extend survival and improve quality of life.

Treatment for Stage IV Lung Cancer

The goals of treatment for stage IV lung cancer are to manage the illness, reduce symptoms, and increase overall survival. The therapeutic landscape for advanced lung cancer has changed dramatically due to the development of targeted therapy and immunotherapy medications, which either target particular genetic abnormalities or boost the immune system’s reaction against cancer cells. Palliative care is an essential part of the overall treatment plan for patients with stage IV lung cancer. Its goals include controlling symptoms like discomfort and shortness of breath and enhancing quality of life.

Significance Of Early Detection And Treatment In Curability Of Lung Cancer

Prompt diagnosis and therapy are essential for increasing lung cancer’s curability. Early detection of lung cancer increases the likelihood of a successful course of therapy and long-term survival since the disease is still localised and has not spread to other regions of the body.

Early-stage lung cancers are not as likely to have spread to distant organs or lymph nodes and tend to be smaller and more contained, making them easier to surgically remove. Additionally, early intervention can stop the cancer from developing into later stages, which are harder to treat. Proactive screening for lung cancer among high-risk persons has the potential to save lives by identifying them early and initiating treatment promptly.

Frequent screening exams can aid in the early detection of lung cancer, even before symptoms appear. For high-risk patients, this includes low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans. Healthcare professionals can use suitable treatment plans, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, based on the patient’s state and prognosis, when they get a timely diagnosis and intervention.

Also read :Detecting lung cancer in its early stages

Conclusion

Lung cancer is treatable at different stages; early-stage malignancies are more curable than advanced-stage conditions. For better results, early identification and individualised treatment plans are crucial. Lung cancer patients should collaborate closely with their medical professionals to create a thorough treatment plan that is customized to meet their requirements. Speak with Dr. Harsh Vardhan Puri for personalized treatment strategies and professional information regarding lung cancer. With his wealth of knowledge and commitment to patient care, Dr Puri makes sure that every person gets the finest possible care that is customized for their particular situation. Make an appointment with Dr Puri now to start along the path to better results.