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Prognosis of Stage 4 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer is a form of lung cancer that grows and spreads more slowly than small cell lung cancer. Most people who have stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer have less of a chance of surviving for a long period than those in earlier stages of lung cancer.

  1. Prognosis

    • Less than 5 percent of people who have forms of stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer survive five or more years, according to an article by multiple physicians on the Cancer Supportive Care Programs website.

    Definition

    • Once non-small cell lung cancer has reached stage 4, the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, multiple parts of the lungs, the brain, the liver, the adrenal glands, the kidneys and the bones, according to the National Cancer Institute.

    Symptoms

    • Signs that non-small cell lung cancer has reached stage 4 can include a hoarse voice, double vision, bone pain, problems swallowing, bloody mucous, chest pain, pain in the neck or shoulders, frequent headaches, fatigue, facial swelling, coughing and wheezing.

    Types

    • Large-cell carcinoma is the least common form of non-small cell lung cancer, but it spreads and reaches stage 4 faster than other types, according to the American Cancer Society. Adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas are more common and usually can be treated before they reach stage 4, according to the American Cancer Society.

    Treatment

    • Treatment is often used to improve the quality of life of patients with stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer. Chemotherapy, which uses drugs to kill cancerous cells, is often used to reduce symptoms of cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic. People can reduce their symptoms by quitting smoking cigarettes.

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