What is stage 2 non small cell lung cancer?
Stage 2 non small cell lung cancer means that the cancer has not spread to the nearby lymph nodes. The tumor present is larger than 5cm but smaller than 7cm. Stage 2 cancer is also further divided into stage 2A and stage 2B based on the TNM scale.
Stage 2A
At stage 2A, if the cancer has spread into the lymph nodes it is classified as N1 based on the TNM system. At stage 2A, the cancer can be staged as T1A/T1b, N1,M0 or T2A, N1,M0.
For each of these cases, one or more of the features listed below will be present.
T1A/T1b, N1,M0
- If the tumor is diagnosed as T1a it means that the tumor size is at 2cm or less. If the tumor size is diagnosed at T1b it means that it is smaller than 3cm.
- The cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes within the lungs and also to the location at which the bronchus connects to the lung.
- The main branches of the bronchi are not affect.
- The cancer has not spread into the membranes surrounding the lungs.
T2A, N1,M0
- The tumor is larger than 3cm but smaller than 5cm.
- The cancer has spread into the bronchus and is at least 2cm below the carina, which is a cartilaginous ridged area that separates the opening if the right and left main bronchi stems.
- A part of the lung has also partially collapsed or developed an inflammation in the carina and this condition can cause the patient’s airways to get blocked.
At stage T2b the tumor is larger than 5cm but smaller than 7cm. If the cancer has not spread to nearby lymph nodes it is known as N0. This stage is also known as T2b, N0,M0. At this stage, the cancer will also have one or more of the features that are listed above.
Stage 2B
Stage 2B is further divided based on the size of tumor and whether or not it has spread to the lymph nodes that are nearby.
For each of these categories, one or more of the features listed below will be present.
T2b, N1,M0
- The size of the tumor is between 5cm and 7cm.
- The cancer has spread to the inner lining of the lung.
- The cancer has spread into the bronchus and is at least 2cm away from the carina.
- A part of the lung has also partially collapsed or developed an inflammation in the carina and this condition can cause the patient’s airways to get blocked.
T3,N0,M0
- The tumor is larger than 7cm.
- The tumor has spread into the chest area, diaphragm and also into the membranes and sacs surrounding the heart.
- The cancer has spread into the main bronchus and is within 2cm of the car in a but has not affected the carina.
- The entire lung collapses or can become inflamed due to the blockage of the airways.
- Two or more tumors are present within the life of one lung.
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