All You Need to Know About Stage 4 Lung Cancer

There is nobody out there that would like to be told they have been diagnosed with cancer, let alone stage 4 lung cancer. It would certainly have to be one of the worst diseases to have. You may know a loved one that currently has it or you might have it yourself, whatever the case, it is useful to inform oneself about this topic as this article will.

Stage 4

Just in case you don't know how cancers are classified, they are classified in 4 stages. Stage 1, 2, 3 and 4. Stage 4 is the most advanced stage which means that the cancer is no longer restricted to your lungs and chest and that it has spread to other parts of the body.

Causes

Scientific studies show that 90% of all lung cancer cases are caused by tobacco. Other causes include passive smoking, exposure to asbestos and air pollution.

Sign & Symptoms

The following are symptoms of the presence of lung cancer in your body:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood

However, the symptoms for stage 4 lung cancer are different and you can detect whether the cancer has reached this stage:
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Seizures
- Stroke symptoms

Treatment

The treatment available for lung cancer is pretty much the same for all stages of the disease, but as with all other cancers, your chances of survival depend on how early you were diagnosed. The 3 most common treatments for stage 4 lung cancer are surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.