messanger icon
whatsapp icon

Stage 1 Lung Cancer Treatment

Stage 1 Lung Cancer Treatment

Stage 1 lung cancer is when the cancer is still small and only in the lung. It hasn't spread to other parts of the body. At this stage, the cancer is easier to treat, and the chances of getting better are higher.


What is Stage 1 Lung Cancer?

Stage 1 lung cancer means the tumor is confined to the lung and has not spread to nearby lymph nodes or other areas of the body. It is divided into two parts:

  • Stage 1A: The tumour is smaller than 3 cm and only in the lung.
  • Stage 1B: The tumour is bigger than 3 cm but still only in the lung.

At this stage, doctors can treat it more easily, and people have a better chance of full recovery.


Symptoms of Stage 1 Lung Cancer

The symptoms of Stage 1 lung cancer may not always be obvious. But some people may feel:

  • A persistent cough
  • Trouble breathing
  • Pain in the chest
  • Losing weight for no reason

Since these symptoms can be caused by other illnesses, it's important to get checked regularly if you're at risk.


How is Stage 1 Lung Cancer Diagnosed?

To find Stage 1 lung cancer, doctors use tests like:

  • CT Scan: This helps find small tumours in the lungs.
  • Chest X-ray: A simple test that can show if there is something wrong with the lungs.
  • Biopsy: A small piece of the tumour is taken to check if it is cancer.
  • Bronchoscopy: A thin tube is put into the lungs to see the tumour and take a sample.

Early detection of cancer makes it easier to treat and improves recovery chances.

Treatment for Stage 1 Lung Cancer

Treatment for Stage 1 lung cancer focuses on removing or destroying the tumour. Some treatments include:

Surgery:

  • Lobectomy: The most common surgery where a part of the lung is removed.
  • Wedge Resection: Only the tumour and some surrounding tissue are removed.
  • Segmentectomy: Part of the lung with the tumour is removed.

  • Radiation Therapy:
    If surgery isn't possible, radiation therapy uses energy to destroy the tumour.
  • Chemotherapy:
    Chemotherapy is used to shrink the tumour or stop cancer from spreading.
  • Targeted Therapy:
    This treatment targets specific changes in cancer cells to stop them from growing.
  • Immunotherapy:
    This treatment helps the body's immune system fight cancer cells.

Prognosis for Stage 1 Lung Cancer

The outlook for Stage 1 lung cancer is generally good. Because the cancer is still in the lung and hasn't spread, it can usually be treated successfully. Many people can live a long, healthy life after treatment.

The 5-year survival rate for Stage 1 lung cancer is between 60-80%, depending on health, treatment, and other factors.


Why Early Detection is Important

Stage 1 lung cancer is easier to treat when caught early. Regular screening is important for people at higher risk, like smokers or those with a family history of lung cancer. Catching the cancer early means more Lung Cancer Treatment options and better outcomes.

Contact Us for Stage 1 Lung Cancer Treatment

If you have been diagnosed with Stage 1 lung cancer or are worried about your risk, it's important to get treatment right away. Our team is here to help you with the best treatment plan. Get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation and begin your journey toward recovery.

FAQs

Stage 1 lung cancer is the early stage of lung cancer where the tumor is still confined to the lungs and has not spread to any lymph nodes or other parts of the body. It is typically less than 4 cm in size.

Stage 1 lung cancer is often detected incidentally during imaging tests for other reasons, or through targeted screening in at-risk populations (like heavy smokers) using low-dose CT scans.

Stage 1 lung cancer might not cause noticeable symptoms. However, some patients might experience a persistent cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain.

The primary treatment for Stage 1 lung cancer is surgery to remove the tumor, which can be a lobectomy, segmentectomy, or wedge resection, depending on the tumor's size and location. In some cases, radiation therapy or stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) might be used if surgery is not suitable.

Yes, Stage 1 lung cancer is considered highly curable, especially when detected early and treated promptly. The five-year survival rate is quite high, typically over 70%

Screening intervals vary based on risk factors, but yearly screening with low-dose CT scans is recommended for high-risk individuals, such as long-term smokers aged 50-80 years.

Follow-up care generally includes regular physical exams, imaging tests (like CT scans), and, if appropriate, pulmonary function tests to monitor for recurrence and assess lung function.

Absolutely. Quitting smoking, if applicable, is the most critical change. Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding exposure to lung irritants can support overall health and help prevent recurrence.

The primary risk factor is smoking, but others include exposure to radon gas, asbestos, certain heavy metals, and secondhand smoke. Genetic factors can also play a role.

The prognosis is generally very good compared to more advanced stages. Early detection and appropriate treatment significantly increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

Videos