Lung cancer, like all other types of cancers, results from abnormal and uncontrolled cell growth. This article explains the various stages in the development of lung cancer according to the staging system of the TNM Classification of Malignant Tumors.
Lung cancer usually starts in the bronchial tissues. The bronchi are airways the leads from the trachea to the lungs. The linings of the bronchi are composed of various types of cells, in which each type has certain functions. One of these cells functions by eliminating mucus from the lungs.
Lung cancer begins when carcinogens (such as cigarette smoke, asbestos, aerosol chemicals, air pollution) affect the DNA of the cells in the bronchial lining, causing them to mutate. When the cells mutate, they would start to multiply at a rate faster than normal. The accumulating cells would then interfere with mucus elimination. In the TNM system, these effects indicate that the patient is in Tx stage.
The rapidly multiplying cancer cells would soon become malignant. Malignant cells have no useful purpose. They just crowd out the bronchus lining and destroy most of the healthy cells surrounding it. When this happens, mucus would no longer be eliminated and much of it would be stuck behind the blockage, causing different kinds of lung illnesses, particularly pneumonia. In the TNM system, these effects indicate that the patient is in T0 stage.
If not detected, diagnosed, or treated, the cancer cells would form a mass, known as a tumor. In the TNM system, these effects indicate that the patient is in T1 stage.
The tumor in lung cancer would partly or almost completely block the bronchus, causing severe respiratory problems such as difficulty in breathing. In this stage, surgery may be necessary. In the TNM system, these effects indicate that the patient is in T2 stage.
The cancer cells would spread to the other parts of the lung, the bronchial tube, esophagus, or diaphragm. In the TNM system, these effects indicate that the patient is in T3 stage. At this stage, surgery is necessary.
The lungs are a vital organ in the circulatory system. The heart pumps used blood into the lungs in order to release Carbon Dioxide and absorb Oxygen. Cancer cells in the lungs may come in contact with the circulating blood and travel throughout the human body. Several parts of the body, including the heart, can be affected or initiate cancer growth. In the TNM system, these effects indicate that the patient is in T4 stage. When this happens, an expensive and uncertain chemotherapy is the last option. Usually, most people who arrive at this stage untreated would die.
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