To classify a lung tumor, doctors often use a method called the TMN system, which is based on the tumor size (T), whether it has spread to lymph nodes (N) and metastasis to distant regions or organs of the body (M). Doctors additionally assign each letter (T, N, and M) a number, which measures how much the cancer has advanced. Larger numbers correspond to more advanced cancers. Doctors then use the TMN system to group multiple tumor types into a single staging group which allows them to provide appropriate treatment based on the severity of the cancer. T classifications The T classification system represents the size of the tumor. T0: Doctors give this classification when cancer cells have been identified, but there is no visible tumor. T1: Doctors give this classification when the tumor is smaller than 3 centimeters (1.25 inches). T2: Doctors give this classification when the tumor is between 3 and 7 centimeters (1.25 to 2.75 inches). T3: Doctors give this classification when the tumor is larger than 7 centimeters T4: Doctors give this classification to tumors of any size if they have grown to invade the heart, blood vessels surrounding the heart, esophagus, or backbone. N classifications The N classification system represents the spread to nearby lymph nodes.

Lung cancer is a devastating disease that causes more deaths per year than colon, breast, and prostate cancer combined. Twenty-five percent of all cancer deaths are from lung cancer. Generally, an individual’s prognosis will depend on the how early the doctors diagnose and begin treating the cancer. There are many different types lung cancer, but doctors have sorted them into three groups based upon various characteristics. The first is non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which makes up 85% of all lung cancer cases. The second is small cell lung cancer, which makes up 10-15% of all lung cancer. Finally there is lung carcinoid tumor, which makes up only 5% of lung cancer cases. Because it is the most common, this article focuses on non-small cell lung cancer. Lung cancer, like other cancers, is caused by a cellular mutation combined with uncontrolled cell growth and division. When a tumor, which is a mass of cancer cells, first begins to develop it is often small and undetectable. As the tumor grows the medical providers will be able to detect and diagnose the cancer. Tumors are classified based on size and whether it has spread to lymph nodes or distant areas in the body.

Lung cancer often presents with no symptoms until advanced stages or metastasis. This is why it is considered a quiet killer because, by the time it is detected, it is often too late to save the patient’s life. A third of lung cancer diagnoses show that cancer has spread throughout the body, and the prognosis for a patient in those shoes is not good. That is why some lung cancer patients opt not to fight their disease but to get palliative care. Palliative care does not seek to eradicate the illness or save patients’ lives, but to ease their pain and make them as comfortable as possible. The patient’s pain and discomfort are treated with low doses of chemotherapy and/or radiation. Studies show that, in some cases, patients who opt for palliative care, alone, live longer than other patients who have the same kind and degree of cancer, but opt for more aggressive treatments. That said, it should quickly be noted that patients do not have to choose between palliative care and aggressive treatment. Patients who wish to fight cancer with every available medical resource will also be carefully treated for pain and will be made as comfortable as possible. Occasionally, people with early stages of lung cancer will present with symptoms such as:

Diagnosing lung cancer involves several types of tests and imaging. Generally an imaging is done first to identify the tumor then more invasive testing is used to confirm the diagnosis. Finding lung cancer is fairly straightforward, once it is suspected. Diagnosing this disease is sometimes as easy as putting some sputum (spit) under the microscope. Lung cancer cells are often detected this way. Other non-invasive tests for lung cancer include an x-ray and/or CT scan. A CT scan is more accurate as it detects small masses that might not turn up on an x-ray. Your doctor may, however, decide that you need a biopsy which involves removing a small section of the lung to study it and detect abnormalities The various diagnostic techniques associated with lung cancer are: Imaging Tests for Lung Cancer : Doctors generally perform imaging tests first to identify the cause of symptoms a patient might be experiencing or to gain a better look at a suspicious mass. There are five potential choices of imaging tests. Doctors generally perform imaging tests first to identify the cause of symptoms a patient might be experiencing or to gain a better look at a suspicious mass. There are five potential choices of imaging tests.

There are both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors associated with lung cancer. Modifiable risks are risks that can be changed, as they are in your control. Examples of modifiable risk factors are smoking and where you work. Non-modifiable risk factors are those that are outside of your control, such as a family history and which sex you are. Family Members : risk for lung cancer can be inherited from parents and grandparents. People who have one or more close family members who develops lung cancer, including siblings and parents, need to be especially vigilant on reducing other risks. Anyone with a close family member who got lung cancer needs to refrain from smoking for his or her entire life. Experimenting with smoking or telling yourself, “It’s just one time” could be backfire because of the highly addictive nature of tobacco if you are at a high hereditary risk. Smoking and second hand smoke : Smoking is the number one risk factor for lung cancer. Unfortunately, smokers are not the only victims of tobacco use. Many people have developed lung cancer simply from breathing the same air as smokers. Passive smoking can lead to all the same health issues as smoking.