Overview
Stage 1 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) diagnosis is divided into Stage 1A and Stage 1B.
Lung Cancer is cancer that forms in tissues of your lungs, usually in the cells lining the air passages.
Tap “Watch Now” for an easy-to-understand overview of Stage 1 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.
- Stage 1A Lung Cancer
- Stage 1B Lung Cancer
- Understanding EGFR & PD-L1
Overview
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Stage 1A Lung Cancer Diagnosis is when the tumor is 3 centimeters or less, this means about the size of a green grape.
In this stage, the cancer is only found in one lung and has not spread to your lymph nodes or any other part of your body.
What Tests Will I Need and Why?
Blood and Imaging tests are done to understand your general health, confirm your diagnosis and determine your cancer stage.
Tissue analysis is also typically done to determine if the cancer cells have any specific biomarkers which are critical to finding the best treatment option for you.
In Stage 1 NSCLC, doctors look for an EGFR Mutation and an elevated PD-L1 level.
If your treatment team has not already performed tests to determine your cancer’s features, please ask your doctor when these tests will be performed.
Re-read this summary as needed and then tap, “Compare My Treatment Options Now“. Our unique Comparison Page will help you understand your FDA-approved treatment options including, who can help you pay for your treatment, where and how each is given and what side-effects you may experience.
National Institute of Health/ treatment-lung
Overview
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Stage 1B NSCLC means that the tumor is located in one lung only and has not spread to your lymph nodes or any other part of your body.
Stage 1B NSCLC diagnosis is when:
1. The tumor is more than 3 centimeters but is not larger than 4 centimeters
or
2. One or more of the following:
- The lung cancer has spread to the inner lining of your lung (visceral pleura).
- The lung cancer has spread into the airway called the bronchus, but not the middle of the airways where they branch, the carina.
- One of your lungs has collapsed or has obstructive inflammation.
What Tests Will I Need and Why?
Blood and Imaging tests are done to understand your general health, confirm your diagnosis and determine your cancer stage.
Tissue analysis is also typically done to determine if the cancer cells have any specific biomarkers which are critical to finding the best treatment option for you.
In Stage 1 NSCLC, doctors look for an EGFR Mutation and an elevated PD-L1 level.
If your treatment team has not already performed tests to determine your cancer’s features, please ask your doctor when these tests will be performed.
Re-read this summary as needed and then tap, “Compare My Treatment Options Now“. Our unique Comparison Page will help you understand your FDA-approved treatment options including, who can help you pay for your treatment, where and how each is given and what side-effects you may experience.
National Institute of Health/ treatment-lung
Identifying Biomarkers is critical to determining the best treatment option for you
In addition to the size and cancer stage, your lung cancer treatment options will be guided by biomarkers. Biomarkers are found in your body’s tissues or fluids. For people with Stages 1-3 NSCLC, EGFR and PD-L1 are the most common biomarkers.
EGFR-positive
EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor) is a protein that helps your body with healthy cell growth. A mutation or abnormal change in your body’s EGFR gene can cause excessive cell growth and cancer.
There are different types of EGFR mutations that doctors look for including EGFR 19 deletion, EGFR L858R and EGFR exon 20 insertion. About 10-15% of patients with Lung Cancer have an EGFR mutation. EGFR L858R is the most common type.
If you test positive for EGFR, your treatment typically includes a medication to block EGFR, called TKI or a Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor.
PD-L1
PD-L1 is a protein that is found in healthy cells and acts as a “brake” to keep your immune system from attacking your body’s non-harmful cells. Some cancer cells “trick” the immune system to not turn on and therefore avoid being attacked.
If your tests show cancer cells with a high level of PD-L1 ( > than 50% of the cells have PD-L1), you may benefit from immunotherapy, a treatment type that takes the “brakes” off your immune system so it will recognize and attack the cancer.
Immunotherapy is only helpful when patients do not have any other mutation such as EGFR or ALK. These patients benefit from Targeted Therapy.
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Commonly Searched Questions
Stage 1 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Definition
Stage 1 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) refers to an early stage of lung cancer where the cancer is localized and has not spread beyond the lung where it originated. Specifically, in stage 1 NSCLC, the cancer is typically found in the lung tissue and may involve nearby structures such as the pleura (lining of the lung) or lymph nodes near the lungs. This stage is often characterized by a small tumor size and absence of spread to distant organs or lymph nodes outside the chest.
Source: Cancer.org
Stage 1 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment
These are the common treatment options that are available for your Stage 1 lung cancer:
- Surgery to remove part of the lung or the affected lobe
- Chemotherapy may be done before or after surgery. Also an alternative to surgery when surgery is not possible
- Radiation therapy after surgery or as an alternative when surgery is not possible.
Source: Cancer.org
Stage 1 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Survival Rate
According to seer data, Stage 1 lung cancer falls into the localized Stage with a survival rate of 59.8%. This means that people with Stage 1 lung cancer are 59.8% as likely as people without lung cancer to live for 5 years after the diagnosis.
These numbers do not take into account cancer coming back, NSCLS subtypes and newer data so they should be used with caution.
Source: Cancer.gov
Stage 1 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Symptoms
Most people with Stage 1 non-small cell lung cancer diagnosis do not experience symptoms.
However, if you develop symptoms, these are some common symptoms you might experience if you have Stage 1 lung cancer.
- Breathlessness
- Cough for a long time
- Feeling weak
- Coughing up blood
Source: Cancer.org
Stage 1 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Recurrence Rate
According to a study done in Japan in 2014, the recurrence rate of Stage 1 lung cancer is 12.6%. However, this value will change according to different locations, your overall health and your genetics.
Source: PubMed.gov
Stage 1 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Prevention
While specific prevention strategies for Stage 1 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) are not tailored to this stage, general recommendations to reduce the risk of developing lung cancer include:
• Avoid Smoking: The most effective way to prevent lung cancer is to not smoke. If you currently smoke, quitting as soon as possible significantly lowers your risk.
• Avoid Secondhand Smoke: Stay away from environments where you may be exposed to secondhand smoke.
• Limit Exposure to Carcinogens: Reduce exposure to known lung carcinogens such as asbestos, radon, and certain chemicals in the workplace. Use protective equipment and follow safety guidelines if exposed.
• Healthy Diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which may help support lung health.
• Regular Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity to promote overall health.
• Regular Screenings: For high-risk individuals (e.g., heavy smokers or those with a history of smoking), consider regular low-dose computed tomography (CT) screenings to detect lung cancer early.
Source: Cancer.org
