Lung Cancer With Extensive Metastatic Disease

Lung cancer frequently spreads (metastasizes) to other organs in the body. Some of the signs of metastasized lung cancer are pain, nausea and headaches. There may be other symptoms depending on what organ has become plagued with the malignancy. According to the Mayo Clinic when the metastasis is isolated certain treatments may be beneficial, but in most cases, the therapeutic goal for metastasis is to lessen its signs and symptoms.

Metastasized Cancer

• The American Cancer Society says the type of cancer and where it originates often determines where it will spread. When cancer cells divide and move to new areas they form a new tumor in a different organ. This new tumor is called a metastatic tumor.

Why Cancer Cells Spread

• When cancer spreads to other organs it is the result of genetic changes in the cells that scientists are just beginning to distinguish and understand. The ACS says someday these genetic changes will help detect whether a person's cancer is the type that will spread to other organs.

Extensive Stage Lung Cancer

• In extensive stage lung cancer, the malignancy has spread beyond the chest to other parts of the body. The organs most often affected are the opposite lung, brain, bones, liver and adrenal glands.

Treatment for Metastastic Cancer

• The National Cancer Institute (NCI) says when lung cancer has metastasized it may be treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery or a combination. The precise treatment plan will depend on the age of the patient and his or general health, prior therapy and the size and location of the metastasis.

Treatment Research for Metastatic Cancer

• The NCI sponsors ongoing clinical trials of potential new cancer treatments with cancer patients, medical schools, universities and cancer centers across the United States. Lung cancer patients interested in participating in a clinical trial should consult with their doctor. The treatments studied in trial setting don't guarantee a cure, but the research can help doctors better understand how to treat lung cancer in time to come.

Supportive Care

• When treatment for metastastic lung cancer offers little hope for recovery, your doctor may suggest that you end grueling treatments aimed at stopping further growth of your cancer and instead choose supportive care.

  Compassionate treatment provides an opportunity to have a higher quality end of life without suffering the unpleasant side effects of treatment.

Prognosis

• Sadly, lung cancer is usually fatal. According to the Mayo Clinic, almost 60 percent of people with lung cancer die within one year of diagnosis. When lung cancer is caught early, there is a greater chance of making a full recovery,