<P> The frequent deficiencies in accurate DNA repair, and the increase in inaccurate repair, likely cause the high level of mutation in lung cancer cells of more than 100,000 mutations per genome (see Whole genome sequencing). </P> <P> Staging is a formal procedure to determine how developed the cancer is . This determines treatment options . </P> <P> The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) and the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) recommend TNM staging, using a uniform scheme for non-small cell lung carcinoma, small - cell lung carcinoma and broncho - pulmonary carcinoid tumors . With TNM staging, the cancer is classified based on the size of the tumor and spread to lymph nodes and other organs . As the tumor grows in size and the areas affected become larger, the staging of the cancer becomes more advanced as well . </P> <P> There are several components of NSCLC staging which then influence physicians' treatment strategies . The lung tumor itself is typically assessed both radiographically for overall size as well as by a pathologist under the microscope to identify specific genetic markers or to see if there has been invasion into important structures within the chest (e.g., bronchus or pleural cavity). Next, the patient's nearby lymph nodes within the chest cavity known as the mediastinum will be checked for disease involvement . Finally, the patient will be evaluated for more distant sites of metastatic disease, most typically with brain imaging and or scans of the bones . </P>

Non small cell left lung cancer icd 10