Stage 4 lung cancer is an advanced type of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This cancer has spread to other parts of the body. It is also known as metastatic lung cancer or extensive stage lung cancer.
The National Cancer Institute defines metastatic disease as cancer that has spread to a distant part of the body. This includes both small cells and non-small cells, but it is usually associated with lung cancer.
Lung tumors may become bigger and more aggressive in stage 4. They can also grow into other tissue and organs, such as the brain, liver, or bones. This can make it difficult for patients to perform daily tasks.
Survival rates for stage 4 lung cancer vary, depending on the cancer type and location. However, research continues to improve survival rates for people with lung cancer of all stages.
Life Expectancy for Stage IV Lung Cancer
Having cancer in your later years can be scary. You and your family might worry about the quality of life you will lose, as well as how the cancer is impacting your health. A doctor can help you understand the factors that influence your prognosis.
Your doctor will work with you to determine a treatment plan that will help reduce your symptoms and prolong your life. They may recommend chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery.
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. It can be combined with other treatments, such as targeted therapies or immunotherapy, to treat the cancer more effectively.
Radiation therapy, sometimes called chemoradiation, is another common form of treatment for lung cancer. It uses high-energy rays to target the cancer and reduce pain.
Other local treatments, such as PDT or stent placement, can be used to remove tumors that cause pressure on the lungs and chest.
The goal of treatment for stage 4 lung cancer is to reduce the symptoms and improve the patient’s overall health. Taking care of yourself is important, including eating healthy foods and getting plenty of rest.
Support from friends and family is essential for patients and caregivers alike. Talk with your loved ones about the support you need to stay positive and comfortable during treatment.
Your doctors can tell you if you are eligible for clinical trials, which can give you access to cutting-edge treatments that aren’t available elsewhere. It can also be a good way to try out new medications without having to pay the full cost.
Emotional Effects of Stage 4 Lung Cancer
Having advanced lung cancer can affect your physical and mental health in ways you might not have imagined. You may feel depressed or anxious, experience difficulty sleeping, and develop headaches. You might also notice that people around you treat you differently than they did before the diagnosis.
These emotions can be hard to handle, and you may not be able to cope with them as easily as you once could. Trying to understand what elements of your death are most frightening can help you focus on coping with these feelings and adjusting to the changes that come with this stage of lung cancer.
