What does it mean if you have been diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and your disease is in stage II?
You need to know these things first.
1.
1. tumor extent
Stage II NSCLC is still early-stage lung cancer and is divided between those with large tumors (4-5 cm) that do not invade extra-pulmonary tissue and lymph nodes, and those with larger tumors (5-7 cm) that are starting to invade surrounding tissue and lymph nodes. There are also some differences in the treatment of the two.
2. Life expectancy
With the promise of a cure for stage II NSCLC and more than half of patients surviving for more than 5 years, you can enjoy a long and high quality of life.
3.
3. Treatment options
Surgical patients: Stage II lung cancer is treated surgically, usually with lobectomy + hilar mediastinal lymph node dissection. Patients with lymph node metastases (stage IIB) require chemotherapy postoperatively to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Patients who are not suitable for surgery: doctors will consider simultaneous radiotherapy to achieve radical cure.
4. Recurrence rate
Even if you get a cure, you will need to be reviewed regularly, and the recurrence rate in stage II patients can be more than 60%.
5. Recovery
You need to take this time to restart your life and make healthier lifestyle choices, so be sure to quit smoking.
Related reading: