What are the stages of non-small-cell lung cancer?
Technically, there are five types of non-small cell lung cancer squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, large cell carcinoma, adenosquamous carcinoma and undifferentiated carcinoma. They are named for the types of cells from which they begin or for their own cellular characteristics. While non-small-cell lung cancer grows less aggressively than the small-cell version, it represents about 80 percent of all lung cancers. Its slower growth allows more detailed staging and more treatment options. The stages of non-small-cell lung cancer are: • Occult, or hidden stage: Cancerous cells are identifiable in mucus coughed up from the lungs even though no tumor can be detected in the lungs. At this stage, the cancer can usually be treated successfully. • Stage 0: Cancerous cells are limited to one lung and are confined to a few layers of cells but haven’t penetrated lung tissue. When caught at this stage, it can usually be treated successfully. • Stage I: Cancerous cells are identifiable in lun
