Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Prognosis

Non-small cell lung cancer prognosis depend on the following:

• Lung Cancer Stage
  The size of the tumor and whether the tumor has spread (metastasis) or no.
• Lung Cancer symptoms
  such as coughing or trouble breathing.
• Patient health
  The treatment for lung cancer cannot done if the patient health is not in good condition.

Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) Prognosis

In patients with small cell lung cancer, stage (limited versus extensive) and performance status are essential prognosis factors, and should be documented at diagnosis in every case.

The stage is an essential prognostic factor in small cell lung cancer, but is usually simplified as either limited or extensive. The definitions of these staging terms are not always consistent between institutions, as the distinction limited disease – defined as that which can be encompassed within an ‘acceptable’ radiotherapy field – is dependent on subjective assessment by a radiation oncologist. There is a case to be made for a more objective staging system, perhaps a return to TNM, to better refine prognostic categories and guide treatment. Additional disease related factors include serum LDH and the presence of brain metastases. Performance status is an essential host related actor, with age, sex and weight loss as additional factors.

Lung Cancer Prognosis

Lung cancer prognosis means the chance for cure or prolongation of life (survival). Lung cancer prognosis is depends on upon where the cancer is located, the size of the cancer, the presence of symptoms, the type of lung cancer, and the overall health status of the patient. For patients with inoperable lung cancer, prognosis is adversely affected by poor performance status and weight loss of more than 10%.

Non-small cell lung cancer prognosis include:

• Presence or absence of pulmonary symptoms 
• Tumor location
• The size of tumor
• Lung cancer stage and metastasis to lymph node
• and the overall health status of the patient.