The tumor diameter is larger than 7 cm in lung cancers in the third stage. In addition, main bronchial obstruction, tumors that damage the pericardium or ribs, and lung cancers that have spread to lymph nodes outside the lung called the mediastinum are also defined as stage 3.
What is Lung Cancer Stage 3A?
Any of the following conditions indicate lung cancer at stage 3A.
- Metastasis to extrapulmonary lymph nodes (mediastinal) on the side of the lung where the cancer is located (eg, the cancer is in the right lung but the lymph nodes are on the left).
- The spread of the cancer to the surrounding tissues in such a way that surgical removal is almost impossible (eg, the tumor is larger than 10 cm or the tumor has spread to the main windpipe, diaphragm muscle).
What is Lung Cancer 3D Stage?
Any of the following conditions indicate a lung cancer in stage 3D.
- There is lymph node metastasis on the opposite side of the cancer side (like the lymph node metastasis on the left when the cancer is on the right)
- Metastasis to any lymph node outside the thoracic cavity (eg, neck, armpit, or groin area)
- The cancer has spread to the spine, esophagus, or heart that is impossible to remove by surgery.
3. Stage Lung Cancer Treatment
- The treatment method in third stage lung cancer is primarily chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
- In non-small cell lung cancer that has not spread in the extrapulmonary (mediastinal) lymph nodes, surgery can be performed first by experienced thoracic surgeons.
- In non-small cell lung cancer with metastases in the mediastinal lymph nodes, in some cases, chemotherapy (and sometimes radiotherapy) is applied first and surgery is performed if the cancer does not progress. For this, a new PET-CT examination is performed 4 weeks after the last chemotherapy.
- Small cell lung cancer The third stage treatment is only chemotherapy + radiotherapy + protective brain irradiation.
- At this stage, the treatment decision should be made by a team that includes medical oncology, radiation oncology, chest diseases and thoracic surgery.
Third Stage Lung Cancer Life expectancy
One Year Lifespan
35% of third-stage lung cancer patients survive one year after diagnosis. (British Cancer Research Center results)
Five-Year Lifespan
The chance of survival for 5 years in patients with third stage lung cancer is 10%. (National Cancer Institute results)
– 14% of patients with stage 3A lung cancer can continue their lives 5 years after their diagnosis.
– 5% of patients with stage 3B lung cancer can continue their lives 5 years after their diagnosis.