Stage III NSCLC Lung Cancer

Discover how Stage III NSCLC Lung Cancer affects the lungs and body. Learn about stages of lung cancer, how cancer spreads to nearby lymph nodes, how doctors diagnose the condition, what treatments work best, and what to expect after treatment.

Stage III represents a locally advanced stage, where the tumor grows larger and reaches structures inside the chest. It often spreads to nearby lymph nodes but has not yet moved to distant organs. Understanding how the stages of lung cancer progress helps patients make informed decisions and follow treatment plans that improve their outcomes.

What Is Stage III NSCLC Lung Cancer?

Stage III NSCLC Lung Cancer stands for non‑small cell lung cancer that has grown beyond early stages. Now, the tumor moves into the chest area. It affects nearby lymph nodes or even the chest wall and lung lining. The tumor meets the criteria for Stage IIIB or Stage IIIA. Doctors use CT scans to confirm how far cancer has grown into lung tissues and other parts of the body. This stage lies between early stage disease and metastasis.

How Cancer Spreads and What That Means

Lung cancer splits into two main types: small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Stage IIIA vs Stage IIIB Spread

Patients reach Stage IIIA lung cancer when cancer cells spread to mediastinal lymph nodes on the same side as the tumor. Once cancer expands into lymph nodes on the other side or invades the chest wall, it becomes Stage IIIB. At this point, cancer still stays inside the chest but becomes locally advanced.

How Cancer Cells Travel

Cancer cells invade the layer of the colon of lung airways and make their way into nearby lymph nodes. They move into nearby organs and chest structures. However, these cells don’t yet travel to distant organs such as the liver or brain. Therefore, cancer hasn’t spread too far.

Survival Rates and Options

Statistics show survival rates differ for each substage. In Stage IIIA, five‑year survival sits between 36% and 55%. In Stage IIIB, it drops to roughly 20‑36%. Despite this, modern treatments for stage III offer hope. Oncologists tailor plans that include radiation therapy, chemo, and immune system–boosting medicine. They adjust each plan based on tumor size, lymph node spread, and how many cancer cells remain after treatment begins.

Key Signs and Diagnosis

Symptoms

When cancer grows in the chest, people may notice chest pain, cough, shortness of breath, or weight loss. These symptoms appear once the tumor reaches the chest wall or lymph node area. Still, some patients remain symptom-free until doctors detect changes.

Imaging and Tissue Testing

Doctors use computed tomography CT to view tumor size and lymph node spread. They may also order PET scans. Then, they biopsy tissue to learn what type of cancer cells they face, often NSCLC. This step confirms that cancer has spread just to nearby tissues—no distant organs show signs yet.

Staging Patterns

Oncologists apply the TNM system to name stages like stage IIIA or stage IIIB. That indicates whether cancer has breached the lung wall, invaded nearby lymph nodes, or affected other chest structures. This staging system sets the right path for treatment options.

Treatment for Stage III NSCLC

A. Surgical Removal

When tumors appear in stage IIIA, doctors may remove the tumor and affected lymph nodes using minimally invasive surgery. In both IIIA and IIIB, surgery aims to achieve clear margins and keep lung function intact.

B. Radiation Therapy

Many patients receive radiation therapy either before or after surgery. Radiotherapy shrinks tumors and tackles cancer cells in nearby tissues. Newer tools help focus energy and spare healthy lung parts.

C. Combined Oncology Treatment

After surgery or radiation, specialists often add chemotherapy and immune system–boosting drugs. These aim to destroy cancer cells left behind. For Stage IIIB, doctors may skip surgery and rely on chemo + radiation + immunotherapy alone.

FAQs About Stage III NSCLC Lung Cancer

What's the difference between Stage 1 and Stage 2 lung cancer?

Doctors identify Stage 1 lung cancer when the tumor remains inside the lung and has not reached the lymph nodes. It usually involves a single small tumor that does not affect surrounding structures. Most patients with Stage 1 receive surgery as the primary treatment option, often without additional therapies.

In contrast, Stage 2 lung cancer shows further spread. The cancer cells may reach nearby lymph nodes or the chest wall but remain within the lung area. This early stage often requires a combination of surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy or radiation therapy to ensure the cancer has not spread further. The main difference lies in lymph node involvement and the tumor’s ability to invade nearby tissues.

What is Stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)?

Stage III NSCLC lung cancer describes a locally advanced disease. Doctors find that the tumor has grown into areas near the lung, such as the mediastinal lymph nodes, chest wall, or other structures inside the chest. However, the cancer has not spread to distant parts of the body like the brain, bones, or liver.

Doctors divide Stage III into Stage IIIA and Stage IIIB, depending on the tumor size, lymph node spread, and whether the cancer reaches other areas within the chest. Patients often need combined treatments, including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and sometimes surgery, based on their overall health and tumor location.

What Is Stage III NSCLC Lung Cancer?

Stage III NSCLC lung cancer means the tumor has grown larger and has started to spread within the chest. It reaches nearby lymph nodes, the chest wall, or the area between the lungs known as the mediastinum. This stage does not involve distant organs, but the cancer becomes harder to treat because of its location and size.

Understanding the Stages Within Stage III

Doctors divide Stage III into two main groups: Stage IIIA and Stage IIIB. In Stage IIIA, the tumor may still be small enough for doctors to remove with surgery. In Stage IIIB, the cancer usually grows too close to important structures like major blood vessels or the windpipe, so surgery may not work. Instead, doctors use strong treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy together.

Why Early and Aggressive Treatment Matters

Since Stage III NSCLC lung cancer is locally advanced, treatment must happen quickly and follow a plan designed for each person. The goal is to stop the cancer from growing, prevent it from spreading farther, and improve survival chances.

Can Stage III NSCLC Lung Cancer Be Cured?

In some cases, Stage III NSCLC lung cancer can be cured, especially when the cancer stays in one area of the chest. Patients with Stage IIIA may get surgery after finishing chemotherapy and radiation therapy. This approach works best when doctors can safely remove the tumor and the affected lymph nodes.

Treatment Options Depend on Spread and Health

People with Stage IIIB often cannot go through surgery because the cancer touches or presses on vital parts of the chest. However, aggressive treatment using both radiation therapy and chemotherapy helps control the cancer. New treatments such as immunotherapy support the immune system and give more patients a chance for long-term survival.

Living Strong With a Long-Term Plan

Doctors watch patients closely, run regular scans, and adjust treatments based on how well the body responds. Many patients live for years after diagnosis, especially when they follow their treatment plan, avoid tobacco, and take good care of their health.

Moving Forward with Strength

Stage III NSCLC Lung Cancer challenges patients with its local spread to lymph nodes and chest wall. However, doctors use strong treatment strategies combining surgery, radiation therapy, chemo, and immunotherapy. Staying informed and acting quickly empowers patients to control cancer and improve their survival rate.

Your Journey

Start Your Recovery

Our dedicated Patient Navigator will assist you with appointment scheduling. Contact us at +6012-3993260 (Call or Whatsapp ).

First Consultation

On appointment day, bring along all the medical reports and your identity documents, ie. identity card or passport. Our team will help you organize the medical reports for our oncologist to review. Our oncologist will discuss the treatment plan with you. Tele-consult is available for overseas patients.

Treatment Day

Come to our center on an agreed date and time for the treatment. Our team will take good care of you. You will be discharged on the same day. Yes, you will get to go home after every treatment visit as no overnight admission is required.

Stay on Track

Our dedicated patient navigator will be following up with you post treatment to check on your condition, to ensure that you are doing well. You will receive a reminder message on your phone for the next appointment date.

Dr. Christina Ng Van Tze

Consultant Medical Oncologist
Medical Director
MBBS (Melb) FRACP (Aus)

Monday - Friday : 08:00 AM TO 06:00 PM

Saturday : 08:00 AM TO 02:00 PM

D. Joseph K. Joseph

Consultant Medical Oncologist
MBBCH, BAO (IRE) MRCP (UK)

Wednesday : 08:00 AM TO 12:00 PM

Friday : 08:00 AM TO 12:00 PM

Advocacy Programs

Onco Life Centre Wins 2025 Best Oncology Clinic in Malaysia

We are proud to share that Onco Life Centre has been named the Oncology Clinic and Treatment Centre of the Year in Malaysia at the GlobalHealth Asia-Pacific Awards 2025, held in Bangkok.

This prestigious recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering personalized, compassionate, and cutting-edge cancer care to our patients. The award reflects not just our clinical excellence, but our dedication to safety, community outreach, and innovation in oncology services.

The GlobalHealth Asia-Pacific Awards celebrate leading healthcare institutions across the region. Winners are chosen based on a comprehensive evaluation of criteria such as:

Excellence and Innovation: Transforming healthcare delivery and patient outcomes through progressive medical practices.
Patient Safety: Upholding the highest standards to ensure safe, comfortable, and effective treatment environments.
Community Involvement: Actively engaging in public awareness, screening programs, and care for underprivileged communities.
Technology Adoption: Integrating advanced diagnostics, therapies, and digital tools to enhance every aspect of care.
Impact and Measurable Results: Demonstrating tangible improvements in cancer detection, treatment success, and patient well-being.
Adaptability and Preparedness: Being resilient and forward-thinking in the face of global health challenges.
Leadership and Vision: Cultivating a culture that prioritizes empathy, innovation, and ongoing education.

This award inspires us to continue raising the bar in oncology care—not only through medical advancements but by remaining deeply rooted in our advocacy mission: to serve, educate, and empower every cancer patient, especially those most in need.

We dedicate this achievement to our patients, survivors, caregivers, and the entire Onco Life Centre community. Your courage fuels our purpose. Together, we will continue the fight—because every life matters.