Apollo Proton Cancer Centre

Lung cancer: An OverviewLung cancer ranks 2nd on the list of most common cancers, accounting for near about one-fourth of the deaths caused by cancer. Nearly 2.2 million new cases are detected every year, most of which are related to excessive smoking. As the name suggests, the malignancy originates in the cells and tissues of the lungs, owing to abnormal genetic mutations which could be a result of various different factors.Lung cancer is broadly classified into two different types - small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. The former primarily affects heavy smokers.Various stages of lung cancerLung cancer progresses through 5 different stages, starting from Stage 0, right up to Stage 4 which happens to be the most advanced form of lung cancer.Stage 0 - The cancer cells are present on the surface of the organ and cancer has not yet spread to the deeper cells and tissues.Stage 1 - Cancer has spread deeper into the lung tissue, but is only limited to the lungsStage 2 - Cancer has passed on to the lymph nodes that surround your lungsStage 3 - Cancer has spread further, to the lymph nodes that are farther from the lungsStage 4 - Cancer has metastasized and spread to different areas of the body, resulting in the formation of secondary tumors.Also, read - Lung Cancer Surgery Side EffectsSymptoms of Stage 4 Lung CancerStage 4 is the most advanced stage of lung cancer in which the malignancy has spread throughout the body. If someone has been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, it is important to understand that the problem is very serious and the patient requires the finest treatment.As cancer progresses, so do the symptoms. The patient may experience very few to completely no symptoms initially and by the time they reach Stage 4, there may be multiple symptoms, that include: Jaundice, which is marked by the yellowing of the skin and the white part of the eyes Persistent musculoskeletal pain, which may become unbearable at times Severe headaches Swelling in the lymph nodes that are present in and around the neck Neurological symptoms like loss of balance and numbness in the limbs Seizures and dizziness Fatigue, both physical and mental Persistent coughing Drastic change in appetite Also, read - Lung Carcinoid Tumours vs Common Lung CancersStage 4 lung cancer survival rate by ageIt is important to understand that advanced age is linked to poor prognosis, primarily due to other health issues that are more likely to be developed with growing years. Age Diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer Survival Rate Under 50 11 percent Ages 50-64 7 percent 65 and Older 4.7 percent Stage 4 lung cancer life expectancy with treatmentThe life expectance of a patient suffering from Stage 4 lung cancer is usually estimated using 5-year survival rates. The survival rate also depends on the extent to which cancer has metastasized - localized, regional and distant. Stage 4 lung cancer life expectancy with treatment is Extent of spread Life expectancy Localized 61.2% Regional 33.5% Distant 7.0% Unstaged 9.9% Stage 4 lung cancer symptoms of dyingSymptoms of stage 4 lung cancer that suggest that the patient might not survive long include: Unbearable body bain Dyspnoea or breathing difficulty Delirium, which is marked by serious mental problems Respiratory secretions that can lead to pneumonia and respiratory failure Treatment for Stage 4 Lung Cancer?The treatment for Stage 4 lung cancer depends on various different factors, which include: The extent to which cancer has spread Presence of any genetic mutations The overall health of the patient The treatment modalities that may be recommended include: Chemotherapy Radiation therapy Targeted therapy Immunotherapy Photodynamic therapy Surgery How can we help with the treatment?If you are looking for lung cancer treatment in India then be assured as our team will assist you and guide you throughout your medical treatment in India.The following will be provided to you: Expert cancer doctors and surgeons Special childcare services Transparent communication Coordinated assistance Prior appointments with specialists and follow-up queries Assistance with medical tests Assistance in follow-up queries Assistance with hospital formalities 24*7 availability Assistance with physical therapy Rehabilitation Travel arrangements Assistance for accommodation and healthy recovery Assistance in emergencies Our team offers the highest quality health travel and aftercare to our patients and we have a team of dedicated health professionals that will assist you throughout your medical tour.