A friend of mine has been diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer. He is undergoing chemo but this will only remove some of the cancer and help him live longer.. What does the classification stage 3 mean and how many stages are there?
Thanks
2006-11-16 06:39:26 · 11 answers · asked by urbanrt 3 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
Stage 3 lung cancer refers to non small cell lung cancer, which is divided into four stages. Stage 1 is the early stage in which a small tumor is discovered in one lung. Surgery is the preferred mainstream treatment because there is hope of removing all the tumor and any localized cancerous tissue.
Recently, the issue of the use of chemotherapy after surgery at this early stage was settled by two studies that showed chemo improved survival. The combination of surgery to excise the tumor in the lung and chemo to prevent the growth of cancer cells elsewhere in the body proved to be valuable to the patient's lung cancer prognosis. Once the early stages advance to stage 3 lung cancer, however, questions about treatment depend on what lymph nodes are involved, and how extensive the tumor has become.
Stage 3 Lung Cancer Treatments
If, for example, a lung tumor has reached any vital organ such as the heart, surgery is probably not an option. A combination of radiation and chemotherapy may be used to shrink the tumor so surgery can be performed. This combination may also be used with patients who have other diseases or health problems that preclude surgery.
If a surgery candidate has emphysema or other lung disease, tests in addition to those that are normally run before surgery will be conducted to make sure the patient can successfully undergo an operation. There are several surgery techniques that are employed, but the most common is a lobectomy, which involves removing the entire lobe of the lung affected by the cancer. Stage 3 lung cancer is perilously close to end stage lung cancer--stage 4--and it requires judgment calls as well as the best mainstream treatment available.
Good Luck - he will need all the support you can give.
2006-11-16 06:46:08 · answer #1 · answered by puffy 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
its suprising how effective the chemo is these days!! plus they can blast the tumour with radiotherapy too!! Stage 3 just means its at an advanced stage. I think the stages go upto 4, but there are lots of other stages within the stage 3.
I know its very hard not to worry, but technology today is pretty good!
2006-11-16 07:08:46 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
There are 3 stages of cancer. State 1 is early. Stage 3 is the last stage and means typically that it has spread.
2006-11-16 06:49:45 · answer #3 · answered by meoorr 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Stage 3 is the top stage of cancer. This is the worse stage to have. As you are aware of, it will only remove some of the cancer, most of it is too abundant to destroy. In time, it will overtake your friends body starting with the organs closest to it, if it hasn't already. When the skin and eyes start to turn yellow, it has attacked the liver and death is near. Make the best of your friends life for the duration. It's not a pleasant environment to be in.
2006-11-16 06:46:00 · answer #4 · answered by S H 6 · 1⤊ 3⤋
There is a stage four. My dad had stage 4, which is the last stage! It had spread through out his whole body. It even spread to his brain.
2015-11-01 17:47:22 · answer #5 · answered by lance 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are four stages plus two which are not numbered. Here's a link for you to look at:
http://www.pulmonologychannel.com/lungcancer/treatmentstages.shtml
Sorry about your friend
2006-11-16 06:43:47 · answer #6 · answered by kookie_chick 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Stage I : In this, the cancer is limited to the lungs and has not spread to the lymph nodes. Also, the tumour is generally restricted to the size of generally 2 inches almost.
Stage II : At this stage, the tumour has grown to a size of more than 2 inches and has spread to the nearby chest walls, diaphragm as well as the linings of the lungs. Also, lymph nodes are at a greater risk of contracting the cancer.
Stage III : In this, the tumour has grown very large and has spread to the nearby organs. Also, the small tumour has accompanied by the cancer cells in the lymph nodes.
Stage IV: In this stage, the cancer has spread to the affected lungs as well as the other lung completely and has even reached the distant areas of the body.
http://www.refadoc.com/post/lung-cancer-
2014-09-04 21:41:39 · answer #7 · answered by Refadoc 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are three stages, stage three being the most terminal. I'm sorry to hear about your friend and all I can suggest is that you stay close to him and be supportive.
2006-11-16 06:45:46 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
stage three is the last stage im afraid, stage 3 is the death stage!
my friend has just lost stage 3 of the fight
2006-11-16 06:47:22 · answer #9 · answered by button moon 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋
ouch ... that is a tough one ;(
2006-11-16 06:41:54 · answer #10 · answered by Milos K 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋