Stage 3B lung cancer means that your cancer has spread to the lymph nodes on the opposite side of your chest or has invaded another area such as the vena cavaa large vein that carries blood to the heart from your upper body. If lymph nodes are involved, there is no role for surgery, says Dr. Joseph Friedberg, chief of thoracic surgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. If there is no lymph node involvement, surgery may still be an option.
Fact Checked
/ Updated January 31st, 2022SurvivorNet Fact Checking and Medical Review Standards:
The SurvivorNet News Team creates high quality medical information that complies with our industry leading standards for factual accuracy and sourcing from leading experts at academic medical institutions. Every news article is thoroughly fact-checked by our physician collaborators. We vet each piece of work for factual integrity, impartiality, and clearly label any professional conflicts.
All SurvivorNet articles adhere to the following standards:
- All studies and research papers cited are from reputable academic medical institutions or peer-reviewed journals.
- When we use data, statistics, or quotes these references link to the original source.
- All content related to new treatments, drugs, procedures, and so on must clearly describe availability, side effects, treatment target (such as triple negative breast cancer)
- All medical information on SurvivorNet is sourced from respected medical professionals with verified medical credentials and links are provided to these sources.
- We strive to give the reader relevant background information and include, clearly-sourced contextual health information in all articles. Readers are clearly alerted to any conflicts of interest from a medical source or the authors of a cited study.
Treating Stage 3B Lung Cancer: When Does Surgery Play a Role?
Chemotherapy for Gastric Cancer: Everything You Need To Know
When to Consider Chemotherapy Before Surgery
Surgery for Gastric Cancer: What You Need to Know
Cancer Treatments Ages You: For Julia Louis-Dreyfus & So Many Cancer Survivors, How to Rejuvenate & Thrive After Cancer
On The Verge of Cancer Surgery, Country Star Joshua Ray Walker, 33, Cranks Out New Tunes : 'As Long As I'm Here, I'm Making Music. Can't Stop Me'
Country Singer Joshua Ray Walker Insists He's Going To 'Fight My Hardest' As Colon Cancer Has Spread To His Lungs & GoFundMe Is Created
Please confirm you are a US based health care provider:
Yes, I am a health care Provider No, I am not a health care providerSign Up Now.
Take Control of Your Disease Journey.
Sign up now for expert patient guides, personalized treatment options, and cutting-edge insights that can help you push for the best care plan.