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Questions About Cancer? 1-800-4-CANCER

NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms

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stage IB non-small cell lung cancer  listen  (... sel lung KAN-ser)

  Stage I non-small cell lung cancer is divided into stages IA and IB. In stage IB, cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes and one or more of the following is true: (1) the tumor is larger than 3 centimeters but not larger than 5 centimeters; (2) cancer has spread to the main bronchus and is at least 2 centimeters below where the trachea joins the bronchus; (3) cancer has spread to the innermost layer of the membrane that covers the lung; and/or (4) part of the lung has collapsed or become inflamed.

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Two-panel drawing of stage I non-small cell lung cancer. First panel shows stage IA with cancer (3 cm or less) in the right lung; also shown are the right main bronchus, trachea, lymph nodes, bronchioles, and diaphragm. Second panel shows stage IB with cancer (more than 3 cm but not more than 5 cm) in the left lung and in the left main bronchus; the carina is also shown. Inset shows cancer that has spread from the lung into the innermost layer of the lung lining; a rib is also shown.