Stage 4 Lung Cancer
Lung Cancer Treatment | Lung Cancer Information
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Stage 4 lung cancer spreading is called metastatic cancer.
The area affected is called the metastases. To identify the spread of cancer to other parts of the
body staging of lung cancer is performed, following, the prognosis of the patient is determined as
well as treatment of the lung cancer in the patient. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) stages are
divided from 1 to 4. In Stage I the cancer is found
only in the lung and in the early stages with small tumors. In Stages 2 and 3 the cancer
is limited to the chest and the tumors are large and more invasive. And, lung cancer will be spread
to the other parts of the body through the bloodstream and the lymphatic system with Stage 4. The
brain is the most affected part due to this kind of cancer.
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Stage 4 lung cancer can spread to the bones, liver, and adrenal glands apart from being spread to the
brain. Normal chest x-rays, CT scans, bone scans, and blood tests are how stage 4 lung cancer is diagnosed.
Metastases to bone may be revealed during bone scans due to stage 4 lung cancer. During bone scans a
radioactive material is injected to the bloodstream so that the metastases absorbs the radioactive material
revealing the location of the metastases. This is recorded permanently. The presence of metastases is also revealed
in blood tests during stage 4 lung cancer. For example, an increased level of calcium in the blood indicates
the presence of metastases in the bone. Metastases in the liver will show a blood test with an increased level of
enzymes like aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase. These abnormalities in the blood can be
revealed through blood tests, which could be an indication of the spread of the cancer to the bones and the
liver.
Stopping the growth of cancerous cells is the first step to any cancer treatment, then to treat them or remove
them. Areas like the brain are treated with radiotherapy, by a radiation oncologist, to prevent the spread of
cancer to those areas. A physician consultation is needed before radiotherapy of the brain is performed due to the
side effects of radiation exposure. Depending on the area to which cancer has spread and if it is confined to the
chest wall, diaphragm, and lymph nodes, treatments may also be combined using chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Surgery is also performed to treat some areas during stage 4 lung cancer.
A clinical trial of photodynamic therapy, which is a new treatment, is under way. This treatment is tried for
person having small cell lung cancer, which occurs frequently and causes obstruction in the airway. You may consult
your doctor for more experimental therapies of stage 4 lung cancer.
Stage 4 Lung Cancer
Lung Cancer Information | Cancer of Lung
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