Stage 2 Lung Cancer

If you or someone you know is unfortunate enough to have been diagnosed with lung cancer, then it is essential to understand the stage of the cancer and the implications that this brings. Lung cancer is divided into 4 stages, and the higher the stage the more serious the cancer is. Determining the size of the cancer and how far it has spread is something a doctor is trained to do, and necessary steps must then be taken to combat the condition.

The medical term for determining the stage of lung cancer is known as TNM, and this involves finding out the positioning and the size of the tumor (T), finding out if the cancer has entered the lymph nodes (N) and finding out if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body as secondary cancer or metastases (M). Stage 1 cancer implies that the cancer is still localized in the lungs only, stage 2 and stage 3 cancer implies that the cancer has grown and is spreading into the lymph nodes and stage 4 implies that the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Stage 2 Lung Cancer Prognosis

The prognosis of stage 2 lung cancer is definitely more positive than stage 3 or stage 4, because this implies that the cancer has still not spread to other parts of the body. The lymph nodes are afflicted by this time, but if a person is diagnosed with stage 2 cancer then there is still hope for him/her. The treatment of the patient can thus be determined by finding the exact state of the cancer inside, as even stage 2 cancer is divided into the following categories.

• 2A Stage 2 cancer: This is a case when the tumor is smaller than 3 cms and it has only spread to nearby lymph nodes.
• 2B Stage 2 cancer: This implies a state where the tumor is larger than 3 cms, and it has also spread to local lymph nodes. Even if it has not spread to local lymph nodes but is present in the airway or the chest wall it is known as 2B stage 2 lung cancer.

Several tests will be conducted on the patient to determine to exact stage and state of the lung cancer before any further diagnosis is made and treatment is suggested.

Stage 2 Lung Cancer Symptoms

Some of the most commonly associated symptoms with lung cancer are as follows.

• A persistent and perpetual cough that does not go away with any form of treatment.
• Difficulty in breathing, and the presence of a wheezing sound during breathing.
• Hoarseness in the voice while speaking.
• Coughing up of blood (hemoptysis).
• Regular suffering from diseases like bronchitis and pneumonia.
• Sudden and regular pain in the chest, throat, lungs and arms.

The intensity of these symptoms will obviously depend on the state of the cancer itself, and the general health conditions of the individual as well. The symptoms of lung cancer are difficult to miss, and if the person is a regular smoker then there should be no doubt whatsoever that he/she is suffering from cancer. In some cases, no symptoms are clearly visible until the person takes a chest X-ray. These are the most dangerous cases since there is no telling what stage the cancer might be at. Other factors like fatigue, depression, loss of appetite, weight loss and unusual pain in the body should also be paid close attention to, especially in the case of smokers.

Stage 2 Lung Cancer Treatment

The nature and the intensity of the cancer will determine what cure will suit the individual best, if his state is curable. Chemotherapy and radiation treatment are the two most commonly applied treatments, but their results only serve to delay the inevitable and also cause many side effects and illnesses in the bargain. Palliative treatments are also adopted for people who can suffer less discomfort and pain through some treatment methods. Surgery will be recommended in a case when the chances of survival of the patient are very high.

The three types of surgeries that can be performed are as follows.

• Lobectomy: When a cancer carrying lobe of the lung is removed from the body.
• Pneumonectomy: When the entire lung is removed from the body.
• Wedge Resection: When only the tumor and surrounding tissues are removed from the body.

Each of these surgeries have their own complications and possible side effects as well, so each case must be handled individually and carefully. Someone who has undergone successful surgery can expect to make a full recovery though, as long as they do not start smoking again.

Stage 2 Lung Cancer Life Expectancy

While there are no concrete statistics for the same, it is true that the survival rate for stage 2 lung cancer is much higher than stage 4 cancer survival rate. Different people respond differently to stage 2 lung cancer, so it is impossible to accurately predict the life expectancy. The age of the individual, the sex, previous medical history, cases of recurrence of lung cancer, the spread of the cancer, general health conditions of the individual, response to treatment and general living conditions are just some of the factors that influence the survival rate once an individual has been diagnosed with stage 2 lung cancer.

On an average, it is assumed that an individual who has been diagnosed with stage 2 lung cancer will be alive after 5 years, 50% of the time. This means that on an average, half the people who have been diagnosed will survive for at least 5 years. This is the method in which the life expectancy of cancer patients is expressed, but the actual figures may vary from person to person.

Lung cancer is a very sensitive issue for all individuals and families, so one must deal with this situation very sensitively. Someone who has been diagnosed with stage 2 lung cancer must completely abstain from smoking, and must also change their lifestyle and habits completely. This can only be achieved with the help and the support of those who are closest to him/her. This is a difficult ordeal to get through, but not an insurmountable one.