The prognosis for stage 4 lung cancer depends on a number of factors, such as the size and location of tumors.

Many people do not learn that they have lung cancer until the disease is in its later stages.

By stage 4, cancerous cells have spread beyond the lung where the cancer initially developed. Late stage lung cancer can be difficult to treat.

Below, we describe the prognosis for people living with stage 4 lung cancer, including treatment options and survival rates.

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Cancer involves cells in a particular part of the body growing and reproducing uncontrollably. Lung cancer develops in lung cells.

It is among the most common types of cancer. In 2018, for example, lung cancer affected around 2.09 million people worldwide.

There are five stages, ranging from 0 to 4. Stages 0 and 1 are easier to treat, and people with these types typically have better outlooks than people with lung cancer in stages 2, 3, or 4.

For this reason, a doctor determines the stage of a person’s cancer before discussing their outlook. There are different staging systems, but healthcare providers most often use the TNM system:

  • “T” stands for “tumor.” This factor refers to the size of a tumor and whether it has grown into any nearby structures or organs.
  • “N” stands for “nodes.” This refers to whether the cancer has spread to any lymph nodes.
  • “M” stands for “metastasis.” This refers to whether the cancer has spread to distant structures or organs within the body.

Many people do not learn that they have lung cancer until it is in stage 4. By this stage, the cancer has spread beyond the site where it first developed, and the treatment options are generally more intense and less effective.

Life expectancy is a prediction of how long a person will live after being diagnosed with a particular disease.

Doctors classify lung cancer as a terminal illness. Approximately 16% of people with this type of cancer survive more than 5 years after their initial diagnosis.

Various factors influence a person’s life expectancy estimate following a diagnosis of lung cancer. These include:

  • the type of lung cancer
  • the number of tumors in the lung
  • any other lung problems, such as a collapsed lung or fluid buildup
  • whether or to what extent the cancer has spread
  • any weight loss before the diagnosis
  • the ability to perform daily tasks

Certain treatments can extend life expectancy, but these can also cause unpleasant side effects that may undermine the quality of life, in some cases.

For this reason, some people choose to manage their lung cancer with palliative techniques. These focus on treating the pain without prolonging life.

It can be difficult to choose a course of treatment, especially when an option may prolong life but limit its quality. Discuss all the options with the doctor thoroughly.

Many people with lung cancer do not experience symptoms until the later stages of the disease.

Common symptoms include:

Stage 4 lung cancer has spread to the other lung or to other parts of the body. This can cause secondary symptoms. For instance, if cancer spreads to the liver, the person may experience yellowing of the eyes, skin, and nails.

Also, some types of lung cancer induce syndromes, health issues characterized by multiple symptoms.

There is currently no cure for stage 4 lung cancer. However, certain treatments can alleviate the symptoms and prolong a person’s life.

The best approach to treatment depends partly on the type of lung cancer. There are two main types: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

Other factors that can influence the treatment plan include:

  • the genetic features of the cancer molecules
  • whether the person has any other health conditions
  • how the person functions day to day

People with low general health may have difficulty coping with cancer treatment. In this case, the doctor may recommend smaller doses of therapy or treatments that target specific symptoms.

Treating NSCLC

Treatment options available for stage 4 NSCLC include:

Treating SCLC

The initial treatment for advanced SCLC is typically chemotherapy alongside immunotherapy medication. If the body responds well, the doctor may suggest following chemotherapy with chest radiation.

Palliative care does not target cancer directly. Instead, it aims to reduce the effects of other challenges that a person with a terminal illness faces. These challenges may involve physical, psychological, social, or spiritual matters.

Palliative care does not extend life expectancy, but it can enhance a person’s quality of life. The World Health Organisation (WHO) report that palliative care strategies can help ease the distress of late stage cancer.

A person who provides care for someone with a chronic or terminal illness may be their spouse, family member, or friend, or they may provide paid assistance.

Being a caregiver can be physically demanding and emotionally challenging. It can also be rewarding to see the difference that providing care makes to the person’s life.

A caregiver may also find that they are providing emotional support, not only to the person whom they are caring for, but also to the person’s family and friends. This can be additionally challenging.

Caregivers may feel anxious, depressed, or emotionally exhausted. It is important that they recieve care and support themselves.

A diagnosis of late stage cancer affects a person mentally and emotionally.

People who are approaching the end of their lives may experience fear of dying. Identifying the specific element of death that is frightening and taking steps to address it may make the fear easier to cope with.

People with late stage cancer may also feel lonely, as if no one else around truly understands their experience. A person who feels this way should consider opening up to a healthcare professional who has experience talking with people who have late stage cancer. These doctors and nurses, for example, are likely to have a deeper understanding of the experience.

The American Cancer Society observe that regret is another common emotion toward the end of life. Stepping away from thinking about the past can be difficult. It can help to identify and focus on priorities in the present and write letters or make recordings for loved ones to treasure later on.

However having late stage cancer makes a person feel, speaking about these feelings with a trusted person can be both useful and comforting.

A diagnosis of stage 4 lung cancer indicates that the cancer has spread to the other lung or more distant parts of the body. It is the final stage of lung cancer.

There is currently no cure, but certain treatments can prolong life. It may be that the side effects of these treatments will eventually outweigh the benefits, and a person may prefer to have palliative care. It is important to talk about every option in detail with the doctor before making a decision.

Having late stage cancer affects a person physically, mentally, and emotionally. Seeking support from friends, family members, healthcare providers, and cancer support groups can help.