Stage 1 Lung Cancer
Stage 1 lung cancer is often detected in patients with no symptoms, during a check-up or imaging conducted for another reason. At this stage, the cancer is smaller than 5 cm and has not spread to any lymph nodes or other areas. It is the earliest stage of lung cancer. Advanced diagnostic tools (such as PET-CT, brain MRI, EBUS, mediastinoscopy) confirm that there is no spread to lymph nodes or other organs. Treatment outcomes for patients with stage 1 lung cancer are better than those of all other stages.
Symptoms of Stage 1 Lung Cancer
Because stage 1 lung cancer is small, it usually does not cause any symptoms. Occasionally, unrelated symptoms such as knee pain or fatigue may occur. It is important for individuals over 55 years old who have smoked heavily or are currently smoking to undergo annual low-dose CT scans for screening. Stage 1 lung cancer can only be detected this way.
Treatment for Stage 1 Lung Cancer
- The treatment for stage 1 lung cancer is the surgical removal of the cancerous lobe.
- The preferred method is closed-endoscopic surgery (VATS). The 2013 Treatment Guidelines of the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) recommend endoscopic surgery over open surgery.
- For more information about lung cancer surgery, click here.
- Chemotherapy or radiation therapy is not required after surgery.
- Patients are typically discharged after 4 or 5 days in the hospital.
- They can resume all activities within 2 weeks after surgery.
- The post-surgery recovery rate for stage 1 lung cancer is the highest among all lung cancer stages.
Follow-Up Protocol After Treatment
Follow-up protocols for patients after stage 1 lung cancer surgery are determined according to international guidelines:
- First 2 years: Examinations and basic lab tests every 3 months. A CT scan every 6 months.
- Next 3 years: Examinations and basic lab tests every 6 months. A CT scan once a year.
- After these years: A CT scan once a year.
In the video below, you can watch the real-life story of one of our patients who underwent surgery for lung cancer.
