Stage 4 Lung Cancer Symptoms

One of the leading causes of cancer in the United States is lung cancer. However, it is also true that it is one of the most preventable. Needless to say, this disease refers to the growth of cancer cells in the tissues of the lungs. The risk of lung cancer still remains to be the highest in people who smoke. Other causes may be environmental-pollution related.

Stages of Lung Cancer

The stages of lung cancer are determined according to its two types; small cell lung cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer. Each of these types are staged differently.

Small Cell Lung Cancer
This type is reputed for growing and spreading rapidly, and in most cases, is diagnosed in heavy smokers. This type has been staged into:

• Stage I: Here, only the underlying tissues of the lung have been invaded by the cancer cells. The lymph nodes are still free from invasion.
• Stage 2: When the disease progresses to stage II, lymph nodes that surround the lung tissues get affected. The cancer cells invade the chest wall, or nearby structures (such as the diaphragm, the mediastinal pleura, or the parietal pericardium) in this stage.
• Stage 3: Now this stage has two parts. In the first part (let's say A) the cancer takes over the lymph nodes that are located in the center of the chest. And in part B, the disease invades the lymph nodes on the opposite side of the chest, or in the lower neck, together with the heart, blood vessels, trachea and esophagus.
• Stage 4: And this is the final stage, where the cancer has grown so intense that it spreads to other parts of the body, including the liver, bone, brain, etc.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
This is an umbrella term that basically refers to several types of cancer having similar characteristics. It is staged in two parts.

• Limited: The ailment remains localized to its area of origin, and the lymph nodes that neighbor the affected area.
• Extensive: Here, probabilities are, the cancer might have invaded both the lungs, farther lymph nodes, and organs like the liver, brain, etc.

Symptoms Typical of Stage 4 Lung Cancer

• Coughing that does not seem to get resolved.
• There might be the presence of blood in the cough. It is known as hemoptysis, and it occurs in most cases.
• The patient might have trouble breathing, and experience chest pain.
• Hoarseness, and wheezing are also common.
• Frequent episodes of bronchitis or pneumonia (may not always indicate lung cancer, but most likely to do when accompanied by the above symptoms).
• Other symptoms may include bone pain, headache, unintended weight loss, swollen or enlarged lymph nodes in the chest, and changes in the shape of the fingertips.

Preventing lung cancer does not have a specific approach, but avoiding active and passive smoking, keeping a check on high radon levels in your home and neighboring area, avoiding exposure to toxic chemicals at work or anywhere, inculcating a diet full of fruits and vegetables, drinking alcohol in moderation, and keeping up with a daily exercise regimen, can surely reduce the risk of developing this disease by a significant degree. Keep well!