What is life expectancy with carcinoid lung cancer?

The life expectancy of a person with carcinoid lung cancer depends on several factors, including the stage of the cancer, the patient's age and overall health, and the type of treatment received.

Here is a general overview:

Stage of cancer:

- Localized (stage I): With early-stage carcinoid tumors confined to the lungs, the prognosis is generally good, and the 5-year survival rate can be between 70-90%.

- Regional (stage II): When the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, the 5-year survival rate is typically around 60-80%.

- Advanced (stage III or IV): In advanced stages where the cancer has spread to distant sites, the 5-year survival rate is generally lower, ranging from 20-40%.

Patient's age and overall health:

- Younger patients and those with better overall health tend to have better prognoses compared to older patients or those with underlying medical conditions.

Treatment received:

- The type and effectiveness of treatment can significantly impact life expectancy. Surgical removal of localized tumors is often curative, and adjuvant therapies like radiation or chemotherapy can improve outcomes in more advanced stages.

It's important to remember that these statistics represent averages and that individual cases may vary. Regular follow-up and communication with your healthcare team are crucial for monitoring the progress of the disease and making adjustments to the treatment plan as needed.