Understanding Metastatic Lung Cancer
Most times, lung cancer starts in the lungs as a small tumor. But, it can spread to other body parts and is known as stage 4 or metastatic lung cancer. The spread occurs via the bloodstream and the lymph nodes. Treatment options for metastatic lung cancer differ from that of cancer in its initial stages. It can also cause fluid retention in and around the lungs. This fluid often shows the presence of cancer cells.
What are the stages of lung cancer?
Lung cancer can be divided into 6 stages.
Occult Stage: This is also called hidden cancer, as the cancer cells are only present in mucus and cannot be seen on imaging tests.
Stage 0: At this stage, the tumor is small and hasn’t managed to invade the deeper layers of lung tissue.
Stage 1: Cancer is present in lung tissues.
Stage 2: Cancer spreads to the lymph nodes surrounding the lungs.
Stage 3: Cancer cells have further invaded the lymph nodes and the chest.
Stage 4: Stage 4, or metastatic lung cancer, is when the cancer cells spread to different body parts. Common organs to be affected by metastatic lung cancer include the liver, bones, and brain.
What are the symptoms of metastatic lung cancer?
The type and severity of symptoms present in a patient often indicate metastatic lung cancer. Some of these symptoms may be present in earlier stages of cancer but grow severe as the condition progresses. These symptoms include:
A persistent cough that worsens with time
Coughing up blood or hemoptysis
Chest pain that can worsen with cough and, in some cases, even with deep breathing
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Increased frequency of lung infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis
Hoarse voice
Poor appetite
Sudden and unintentional loss of body mass
Weakness and fatigue
These are all symptoms associated with lung health. Some other symptoms that can be present depending on where cancer has metastasized are as follows:
Swollen lymph nodes of the neck
In case of spread to the liver, the patient may also show the presence of jaundice
Pain in bones in the hips or the back
Weakness
Numbness of limbs
Seizures if cancer spreads to the brain
Issues with balance
The mere presence of these symptoms is not a confirmation of cancer. Therefore, getting the necessary tests done and consulting a specialist for accurate guidance is important. Some of these symptoms might also indicate the presence of a less severe condition that might be easily treatable.
How is metastatic lung cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosis generally involves blood tests, imaging, and biopsy tests to detect the type of cancer. The doctor determines the exact tests one needs to undergo based on the symptoms. Some standard testing methods used in the diagnosis of metastatic or stage 4 lung cancer are:
MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging provides detailed images of the inside of the body. It allows doctors to get a better look at all the organs in the body and get a clearer picture of the extent of cancer spread. Getting an MRI is important since it helps determine a treatment plan for metastatic cancer.
CT scan: Computerized tomography is an imaging test just like MRI. It is used to determine whether cancer has spread to the brain, adrenal glands, lymph nodes, liver, and other organs.
PET scans: A positron emission tomography test is done to detect cancer cells in the body. The tests highlight carcinogenic cells and make it easier to find their location. Patients are injected with a radioactive solution before taking this test. This solution settles cancer cells throughout the body and helps obtain clearer results.
Bone scan: Bone scans are performed to check the presence of carcinogenic cells in the bone. This test, too, requires patients to be injected with a radioactive solution. The solution highlights cancer cells in the bones, and unlike a PET scan, it only concentrates on cancer in the bones.
Biopsy: Irrespective of the other preliminary tests conducted during the diagnosis process, a cancer diagnosis is not confirmed without testing the tissue sample of the tumor. The diagnosis is confirmed only after the biopsy results come in positive. A small sample of cells or tissue is collected and passed on to a pathologist, who then tests the sample microscopically for the presence of cancerous activity.
How is metastatic lung cancer treated?
Once cancer has been diagnosed, the treatment plans depend on the stage of cancer. It might involve surgery, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and even a combination of two or more treatment methods. The exact formation of a treatment plan might require the involvement of a team of oncologists. When cancer has already spread, treatment is aimed primarily at preserving the patient’s quality of life while gaining control over symptoms and prolonging life expectancy.
Options like radiation therapy target some symptoms and manage them better. Since the therapy can be used only in targeted areas, it is a safe option. Some common instances of radiation therapy include metastasis in bones and the brain. However, in the case of lung cancer, the biggest reason for its use remains symptom management.
Another treatment option that can be used in patients with metastatic lung cancer includes chemotherapy. It can help attack cancer cells all over the body at the same time. These targeted therapy treatments have helped improve the treatment outcome and increased the odds of survival of people with stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer.
The fluid buildup is also a symptom in people with metastatic lung cancer. In this case, doctors can help drain the fluid and relieve pressure on the lungs.
Coming up with a treatment plan is based on factors such as the patient’s current condition, age, and the organs to which cancer has spread. It might involve the use of combination therapies, oral treatments, and some injectables. However, it is important to remember that all treatment methods are meant to help in symptom management at this stage.
