Advanced Stages of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer occurs when cells grow abnormally. The cells reproduce wildly, and tumors can develop in one or both of the lungs. Although not all cases of lung cancer are caused by smoking, it is considered a major risk factor. Lung cancer may be diagnosed early or after it is already considered advanced.

Facts

• Once lung cancer has been diagnosed, the next step is staging. This helps doctors determine if the lung cancer has spread to other areas in the body. Lung cancer may be considered advanced based on the tumor size or the number of tumors found in the lungs. It is also considered advanced if it is classified as a Stage 4 cancer, which means it has spread outside the lungs and chest to organs such as the liver.

Symptoms

• As lung cancer progresses and becomes advanced, symptoms may include increased shortness of breath and coughing. Some patients develop a plural effusion, which is an accumulation of excess fluid in the space between the chest wall and the lungs. Other symptoms may include fatigue and dizziness. Additional symptoms may vary depending on where the cancer has spread. For instance, if lung cancer has spread to the brain, symptoms may include seizures, confusion and difficulty talking.

Treatments

• The treatment for advanced-stage lung cancer may vary depending on the type of lung cancer, the age of the patient and previous treatments that were used. In cases where the tumors are numerous, surgery may not be an option. Chemotherapy and radiation may be used. Clinical trials may be suggested if standard chemotherapies failed. A clinical trial involves using a medication or therapy which is still in some stage of the investigative process to determine its effectiveness in treating the cancer. Some treatments for advanced cancer may be considered palliative, which means the treatment is aimed at keeping the patient comfortable, instead of curing the cancer.

Considerations

• Even when conventional treatments are used, such as chemotherapy, complementary therapies may also help people dealing with advanced lung cancer. For instance, massage and acupressure may help reduce pain or anxiety associated with the disease. In addition to treating the physical symptoms, patients should also seek support for their emotional needs. Support groups and hospice services may help patients cope with the emotional issues associated with advanced cancer.

Prognosis

• The prognosis for advanced-stage lung cancer will depend on several factors, such as which organs the cancer has spread to, age of the patient and type of lung cancer. There are two main categories of lung cancer, including small cell and non-small cell. Small-cell lung cancers are harder to treat and tend to have a poorer prognosis than non-small-cell. It's important to understand everyone responds differently to treatment and outcomes can vary, even when the cancer is considered advanced.