stage IIIB non-small cell lung cancer

Definition of stage IIIB non-small cell lung cancer

stage IIIB non-small cell lung cancer (... sel lung KAN-ser): Stage III non-small cell lung cancer is divided into stages IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC. In stage IIIB, the tumor is 5 centimeters or smaller and cancer has spread to lymph nodes above the collarbone on the same side of the chest as the primary tumor or to any lymph nodes on the opposite side of the chest as the primary tumor. Also, one or more of the following may be found: (1) cancer has spread to the main bronchus, but has not spread to the carina; and/or (2) cancer has spread to the innermost layer of the membrane that covers the lung; and/or (3) part of the lung or the whole lung has collapsed or has developed pneumonitis; OR the tumor may be any size and cancer has spread to lymph nodes on the same side of the chest as the primary tumor. The lymph nodes with cancer are around the trachea or aorta, or where the trachea divides into the bronchi. Also, one or more of the following is found: (1) there are one or more separate tumors in the same lobe or a different lobe of the lung with the primary tumor; and/or (2) cancer has spread to any of the following: the membrane that lines the inside of the chest wall, the chest wall, the nerve that controls the diaphragm, the outer layer of tissue of the sac around the heart, the trachea, carina, esophagus, breastbone or backbone, diaphragm, heart, major blood vessels that lead to or from the heart (aorta or vena cava), or the nerve that controls the larynx (voice box).

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms