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Lung cancer, like other cancers, is divided into "stages" based on the size, number, and spread of tumors. If you're diagnosed with lung cancer, the stage will give you information about how far the condition has progressed and the best lung cancer treatment for you.
At the Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute, you receive care from an experienced team dedicated to diagnosing and treating lung cancer. Together, they develop a personalized treatment plan based on the type and stage of cancer, genetic and molecular findings, and your overall health and goals.
When diagnosing non-small cell lung cancer, the most common kind of lung cancer, doctors use four stages:
Some classifications also include a fifth stage, called "Stage 0," in which the cancer is contained within the top lining of the lung and hasn't yet spread.
Diagnosing small cell lung cancer uses a two-stage system:
The best treatments for lung cancer depend on the current stage of the cancer. Early-stage lung cancer treatments may be able to cure lung cancer.
As the disease progresses, the odds of a cure decrease, so advanced-stage lung cancer treatments usually focus on improving quality of life.
Stage 1 lung cancer treatments focus on trying to remove the cancer with surgery or radiation therapy.
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is the exception. It's rarer than non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)—only about 15% of lung cancer cases are SCLC—but usually can't be treated surgically.
If you're diagnosed with SCLC, your treatment plan will probably include chemotherapy and radiation.
Stage 2 lung cancer is typically treated with:
Learn more about the differences between SCLC and NSCLC.
In this stage, the best lung cancer treatment will vary depending on the location, quantity, and size of the tumors. You may receive a mix of:
Stage 3 SCLC will usually be treated with:
Stage 4 lung cancer treatment options are mostly palliative, meaning that they focus on reducing symptoms and improving quality of life. The options for SCLC and NSCLC are similar and include:
While each individual case is different, early-stage cancer can mean there is a wider array of treatment options available. Regardless of the stage, your oncologist will help tailor the best treatment plan for you.
In general, stage 4 cancer isn't curable. Treatment plans for stage 4 patients focus on reducing symptoms and improving quality of life but are unlikely to lead to a permanent cure.
Chemotherapy can provide benefits for stage 4 cancer patients, such as keeping symptoms down and slowing the development of the disease, but it probably won't cure advanced-stage cancer.
Chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is usually given in cycles of three to four weeks, including the treatment time and a rest period. The number of cycles depends on the stage of your cancer. Advanced lung cancer treatment options usually include more cycles of chemotherapy.
Small cell lung cancer is treated the same way—cycles of three to four weeks, including a rest period—but may include more cycles than NSCLC in the early stages due to the more aggressive nature of SCLC.
Lung cancer is most often diagnosed in stages 3 and 4. Learn more about how lung cancer is diagnosed.
Targeted therapy and world-class care at Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute has given Ann Malik a new lease on life and a passion for inspiring others. Read more about her journey with ROS1-positive lung cancer.
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