Unresectable Stage III Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Understanding Unresectable Stage III Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Unresectable Stage III non-small cell lung cancer is when the cancer can no longer be treated with surgery due to it being too extensive. This stage of lung cancer is typically detected in a later stage due to the difficulty in detecting it at earlier stages. The cancer has likely spread to the lymph nodes and it is possible that it may have spread to other parts of the body such as the chest wall, other organs, and/or other tissues.
When diagnosing Unresectable Stage III non-small cell lung cancer, a review of medical history, physical examination, imaging studies (CT scanning), laboratory tests (such as a biopsy and blood work), and other tests (endoscopic ultrasound, mediastinoscopy, thoracentesis, and/or bone scan) may be completed. Treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation, and/or targeted therapies.
Symptoms of Unresectable Stage III Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
The most common symptoms of Unresectable Stage III non-small cell lung cancer include:
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing
- Coughing up blood
- Chest pain
- Wheezing
- Unexplained fatigue
- Persistent fever
- Unexplained weight loss
Treatment of Unresectable Stage III Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Depending on the patient's overall health and the characteristics of the cancer, treatment options for unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer may include:
- Chemotherapy: Systemic or infusion drugs used to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing or reproducing.
- Radiation Therapy: Using high-energy radiation beams to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing or reproducing.
- Targeted Therapies: They specifically target cancer cells by blocking the means of cancer cell growth and reproduction.
- Immunotherapy: Uses a patient’s own immune system to attack cancer cells.
It is important to discuss with the patient’s health care team to determine the most appropriate course of treatment based on the patient’s individual needs.