My dad just found out today that he has adenocarcinoma in his left lung.  
Unfortunately the doctor is out of town (again!) and he wasn't given much
information.  He was seeing a lung specialist and now he's trying to get in to
see a oncology doctor.  The pathology report said it was at level 1 (out of 3
levels).  Does anyone know what this means?  Does anyone have any information
they could post relating to this disease?  Also, as far as treatment
goes--would it be better for him to go to the Mayo Clinic or someplace like
that?  I'm very frustrated with the medical care he's received so far.  

Thanks in advance,

Kellie

My father had  adenocarcinoma in his left lung diagnosed in October of 1990.  I'm not sure what stage his was, however, the tumor
was about 4 cm in diameter, but only had 1 lymph node effected.  I am also not sure what stage 1 cancer entails, except that the
treatment of early stages of cancer have a MUCH greater long-term success rate.  He opted for surgery, and the left lung totally
(because of the involved lymph node).  This was done in late October 1990.  His recovery was good considering how invasive
and  very painful this surgery was.  Loss of the left lung has limited his activities somewhat.  He was in good health after the lung
removal until December 1994 when he developed a secondary lung tumor in the brain.  This was also removed surgically, but has
returned.  We are currently battling this problem.

He has a neighbor and a good friend that were both diagnosed with this condition.  They were both treated successfully with
injected chemo-therapy.

Most AC lung tumors return in the liver, other lung, prostate or brain.  Once this tumor is gone, he should have yearly upper and
lower abdomen and brain scans to detect secondary tumors.

In looking for a hospital, try and find one that has some of the latest equipment (like a stereotactic radiation accelerator).  These
hospitals are usually on the leading edge of cancer treatment.  A hospital that is partnered with a medical school is a good place
to start looking.  If the doctor that is always "out of town" is a general practitioner, not a cancer or lung specialist, forget him.  Go see
the oncologist as you have planned, also see a Doctor of Radiation Therapy to get his opinion, and a lung (pulmonary) specialist.
 After you see each of them, have them discuss your fathers treatment collectively and formulate a "battle-plan".  You have some
time to get things in place, just don't take too long.  The earlier you can get started on a treatment, the less chance the cancer has
of spreading.  I would have a treatment started in 3 weeks or less if possible.

Hope this is of some help.  The strength of this news group is that we can gain some strength from it.

Craig Walters

Unfortunately, lung cancer of the adenocarcinoma type, has one of the
worst track records in terms of response to chemotherapy.  It is lucky if
the tumor is discovered by "accident" and is at an early stage. More
information on current trials on lung cancer treatment could be found by
calling 1-800-4CANCER. H2

lung.  

(snip....)>>  

1990.  I'm not sure what stage his was, however, the tumor  
not sure what stage 1 cancer entails, except that the  
rate.  He opted for surgery, and the left lung totally  

(snip...)

gain some strength from it.
Craig, to clarify  lung cancer stages, the NCI says this about Primary (T)
tumors:

    TX:     Primary tumor cannot be assessed.......(etc)
    T0:     No evidence of primary tumor.
    Tis:     Carcinoma in situ.
    T1:    A tumor that is 3.0 cm or less .......(etc)
    T2:    A tumor...more that 3.0 cm in greatest dimension involving the
main    
                    bronchus....(etc)
    T3:    A tumor of any size with direct extension to the chest
wall....(etc)
    T4:    A tumor of any size that invades any of the following
mediastinum; heart,      
                   great vessels, tachea, esophagus.....(etc)

Nodal involvement is classified separately (NX thru N3)
   >

Les Becker
"We have seen the enemy and he is us...."
                     Pogo

 (snip....)>>  
 >>>>>
 >Hope this is of some help.  The strength of this news group is that we can
 gain some strength from it.
 >
 >Craig Walters
 >            *******************************************
 Craig, to clarify  lung cancer stages, the NCI says this about Primary (T)
 tumors:

     TX:     Primary tumor cannot be assessed.......(etc)
     T0:     No evidence of primary tumor.
     Tis:     Carcinoma in situ.
      T1:    A tumor that is 3.0 cm or less .......(etc)
     T2:    A tumor...more that 3.0 cm in greatest dimension involving the
 main    
                     bronchus....(etc)
     T3:    A tumor of any size with direct extension to the chest
 wall....(etc)
     T4:    A tumor of any size that invades any of the following
 mediastinum; heart,      
                     great vessels, tachea, esophagus.....(etc)

 Nodal involvement is classified separately (NX thru N3)

 Les Becker
 "We have seen the enemy and he is us...."
                      Pogo

Les,

Thanks for the information.  I've heard these stages mentioned but
never knew the clinical meaning.  According to the above scale, my
father was stage T2.  The turmor was 4.8 cm but it did not extend
beyond the lung.

Craig Walters