Stage 0 lung cancer is that stage of lung cancer where cancer is only present in the lining layer of the airways. At this stage, the cancer has not spread to other areas or deeper lung tissues. This is the earliest stage of lung cancer and thus, the survival rates are higher. Stage 0 lung cancer is also called as carcinoma in situ.
Symptoms of Stage 0 lung cancer
Stage 0 lung cancer typically does not have any symptoms. It is often detected in incidentally during diagnosis of other health conditions.
Subtypes of Stage 0 lung cancer
- Adenocarcinoma in situ: In cases where abnormal cells are found in glandular tissue lining of the lungs.
- Squamous cell carcinoma in situ: This is when the abnormal cells are detected in tissues that line the respiratory tract.
Treatment of Stage 0 Lung Cancer
As it is the earliest stage of lung cancer, it is considered curable. Generally, surgical removal is preferable with options like labectomy, segmentectomy, sleeve Resection or pneumonectomy. Labectomy involves removal of entire lobe, segmentectomy is partial removal of lung and pneumonectomy is full removal of lung.
At Stage 0 lung cancer, no chemotherapy or radiation therapy is required. In some cases, treatments like laser therapy or photodynamic therapy may be considered.
Survival Rates
As the cancer has not spread to other areas and it is in its initial stage, the survival rates are higher. As surgical removal is highly effective, it completely cures the disease.
Prognosis
After surgery for stage 0 lung cancer, there are generally no physical limitations. At this stage, the disease is curable as it is completely removed. But, you need to monitor your health for signs of new primary cancer. It is essential to follow your healthcare provider for after treatment precautions.
The information shared in this blog is for educational purposes only.
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