Lung cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the US. In 2020, 1.80 million people around the globe died of this disease, making lung cancer the leading cause of deaths from cancer that year. The main reason behind this is that most patients don’t realize they have lung cancer unless it’s in an advanced stage. Consequently, stage 4 lung cancer life expectancy and treatment become limited as opposed to lung cancer diagnosed early.
So, how long can you live with stage 4 lung cancer? What are the treatment options for stage 4 lung cancer? Scroll down to learn everything about living with stage 4 lung cancer.
What Is Lung Cancer Stage 4?
Lungs are vital organs located in the chest, and they play a major role in respiration. It’s Its understandable that cancer that starts in the lungs is known as lung cancer. But what is stage 4 lung cancer?
Like other cancers, cancer originating in the lungs too is categorized depending on how far it has spread in the body. If someone has stage 4 lung cancer, it indicates that the cancer has already affected both lungs as well as one or more nearby organs.
The other name for stage IV lung cancer is metastatic lung cancer as metastasis means cancer cells moving through the body through lymph system or blood. Stage 4 lung cancer can spread to distant body part like liver, adrenal glands, heart, brain, and bones.
Even stage 4 lung cancer can be further classified as:
- Stage 4 small cell lung cancer
- Stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer or stage 4 NSCLC
Stage 4 Lung Cancer Symptoms
In the initial stage, lung cancer usually does not produce noticeable symptoms. However, patients with stage 4 lung cancer are likely to experience several uncomfortable signs and symptoms like:
- Persistent cough that worsens over time
- Abnormal growth in the collarbone or neck
- Coughing up blood (a condition termed hemoptysis)
- Presence of blood in spit
- Hoarse voice
- Shortness of breath
- Lack of appetite
- Muscle weakness
- Balance issues
- Dizziness
- Sudden weight loss
- Weakness or fatigue despite getting adequate rest
- Wheezing Chest pain that gets aggravated while coughing, laughing, or taking deep breaths
- Frequent infections like pneumonia and bronchitis
- Pleural effusion (buildup of fluid in the lung lining)
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Bone pain
Survival Rate for Stage 4 Lung Cancer
Irrespective of the type of cancer, the more advanced the stage, the lower the chances of survival. So, what’s the late-stage lung cancer survival rate?
If someone has stage 4 NSCLC, there is only 7% chance for them to live beyond 5 years. If they have SCLC, the 5-year survival rate is 3%.
Stage 4 Lung Cancer Prognosis
Now let’s answer the most important question: What is the advanced lung cancer prognosis?
First of all, doctors rely on MRI scans, PET scan, and CT scan to detect late stage lung cancer. The final stage of stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis is a biopsy. After that, the lung cancer treatment plan is curated after discussing it in detail with the patient and the patient’s family.
As mentioned already, it is extremely challenging to treat metastatic lung cancer. As cancerous cells multiply very fast, there will always be a chance for small bits of the deadly disease to linger in some body part. In such cases, treatment usually focuses on bettering the life of the patient by relieving symptoms.
Surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation therapy can be quite effective if the lung tumor has spread to any one organ. So, treatment may vary depending on the stage of lung cancer, how far from the lungs the lung cancer has spread, the overall health of the patient, and the age of the patient.
Palliative Care for Lung Cancer
Whether they opt for standard treatment or alternative treatment, people with advanced lung cancer require palliative care for managing stage 4 lung cancer and easing the symptoms in advanced lung cancer.
The purpose of palliative care is not to cure a life-threatening disease but to help the patient cope with it. With palliative care, the quality of their life can improve significantly for the patient. So, palliative treatments include soothing massages, cough suppressants, nutritional supplements, counseling, and mindfulness practices.
Having a cancer patient at home takes a toll on family members – emotionally and financially. The palliative care unit comprises experienced healthcare professionals who will give the necessary support. In addition to palliative care, patients can join support groups to stay optimistic.
The Bottom Line
That was all about stage 4 lung cancer. Lastly, keep in mind that choosing the right cancer hospital is crucial for extensive stage cancer. Hence, patients should research well and take their time before finalizing a doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average life expectancy for someone with stage 4 lung cancer?
For people with lung cancer in an advanced stage, the life expectancy is approx. 12 months. It’s impossible to say the exact number of months as the patient with stage 4 lung cancer may even live for several years depending on how their body responds to the course of treatment.
Are there treatment options that can improve survival with stage 4 lung cancer?
When stage 4 lung cancer has spread to multiple organs, it cannot be permanently cured. However, the right treatment (like external beam radiation therapy) can improve the survival rate.
What is Stage 4 Lung Cancer?
Stage 4 lung cancer is the most advanced stage of lung cancer, also called metastatic lung cancer. At this stage, cancer has spread beyond the lungs to distant parts of the body, such as the liver, bones, brain, or other organs. It’s considered the final stage in the traditional staging system.
How long can someone with stage 4 lung cancer live without treatment?
Without treatment, the prognosis for stage 4 lung cancer is generally very poor. Survival time typically ranges from a few weeks to several months, with most people surviving 2-4 months without any intervention. However, this varies significantly based on:
- Overall health and age
- Extent of cancer spread
- Type of lung cancer (non-small cell vs. small cell)
- Presence of complications
- Individual factors like nutrition and immune system function
The lack of treatment means the cancer will continue to grow and spread, leading to increasing symptoms and organ dysfunction.
What is the final stage of lung cancer?
Stage 4 is the final stage in the TNM staging system for lung cancer. However, within stage 4, there are subcategories:
- Stage 4A: Cancer has spread to the other lung, fluid around the lung or heart, or a single distant site
- Stage 4B: Cancer has spread to multiple distant sites or organs
As the disease progresses in stage 4, patients may experience end-stage symptoms including severe breathing difficulties, pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, and organ failure.
Has anyone recovered from stage 4 lung cancer?
Complete recovery from stage 4 lung cancer is extremely rare, but it has happened in exceptional cases. These instances are often called “exceptional responders” or represent cases of:
- Misdiagnosis or staging errors
- Rare genetic mutations that respond dramatically to targeted therapies
- Exceptional immune system responses
- Participation in cutting-edge clinical trials
While cure is uncommon, many people with stage 4 lung cancer can achieve significant periods of disease control and improved quality of life with modern treatments.
What is the survival rate for stage 4 lung cancer with treatment?
With treatment, survival rates vary by cancer type:
- Non-small cell lung cancer: 5-year survival rate is approximately 5-10%
- Small cell lung cancer: 5-year survival rate is approximately 2-5%
However, these statistics don’t tell the full story. Many patients live longer than these averages, especially with newer targeted therapies and immunotherapies.
What treatment options are available for stage 4 lung cancer?
Treatment focuses on controlling the disease, managing symptoms, and maintaining quality of life:
- Targeted therapy: For cancers with specific genetic mutations
- Immunotherapy: Helps the immune system fight cancer
- Chemotherapy: Traditional cancer treatment
- Radiation therapy: For symptom control and specific areas
- Palliative care: Comfort care and symptom management
- Clinical trials: Access to experimental treatments
What factors affect prognosis in stage 4 lung cancer?
Several factors influence how long someone might live and their quality of life:
- Performance status: How well a person can carry out daily activities
- Cancer type and genetics: Some types respond better to treatment
- Age and overall health: Younger, healthier patients often do better
- Response to initial treatment: Early response is a positive sign
- Presence of driver mutations: May respond to targeted therapies
- Access to care: Quality of medical care and support systems
Can stage 4 lung cancer symptoms be managed?
Yes, symptom management is a crucial part of care and can significantly improve quality of life:
- Breathing problems: Oxygen therapy, medications, procedures
- Pain: Various pain management strategies
- Fatigue: Energy conservation, medications
- Loss of appetite: Nutritional support, appetite stimulants
- Emotional distress: Counseling, support groups, medications
Should someone with stage 4 lung cancer seek treatment?
This is a deeply personal decision that should be made with oncologists, family, and care teams. Factors to consider include:
- Treatment goals (cure, life extension, symptom control)
- Quality of life priorities
- Potential side effects versus benefits
- Personal values and preferences
- Support system availability
Even when cure isn’t possible, palliative treatment can significantly improve comfort and potentially extend life.
What role does palliative care play?
Palliative care is specialized medical care focused on improving quality of life for people with serious illnesse