Prognosis for Fourth Stage Lung Cancer
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Definition
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A tumor is a group of cells that grow at an uncontrolled rate and can become malignant. The presence of a tumor on the interior or exterior of the lungs defines lung cancer.
Characteristics
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Doctors classify cancer by stages, which are defined by tumor size and the spread of cancer cells. Stage 4 lung cancer is the most advanced stage and receives its classification when cancer cells have spread to other organs, such as the brain, pancreas or colon.
Prognosis
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After the fifth anniversary of their diagnosis, 2 percent of those who were diagnosed during Stage 4 of lung cancer were still alive.
Significance
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The survival rates for Stage 4 lung cancer are obtained through averages observed during clinical studies. A person's actual life expectancy may differ from the statistics based upon other factors, such as age, sex, general health, tumor characteristics and location of the cancer's spread.
Considerations
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Only a doctor can accurately determine a person's individual prognosis. Individuals with Stage 4 lung cancer should consult an oncologist, which is a cancer specialist in the medical field.
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