What is the importance of delay?
The rate at which a cancer grows is commonly expressed as the "doubling time".This relates to the time duration during which a tumor will double in volume. This time has been determined for the various types of lung cancer, and is usually in the range of 60-120 days. We also know that when a lung cancer grows to a larger size, there is an increased chance that it will spread to lymph nodes or to distant areas of the body. For example, a lung cancer less than one centimeter in size very rarely has spread to lymph nodes, but a cancer 3 cm. in size has metastasized to nodes in at least 30% of cases. In practical terms, allowing a delay in treatment that allows the tumor to grow in size, will increase the chance that the tumor will spread. This, in turn, reduces the chance that the tumor will be cured. I know of no data that quantifies this risk.
Frederic W. Grannis Jr. M.D If you have trouble contacting me with the address above, I may also be reached at 76516,2333@compuserve.com and at fgrannis@cris.com |