What is stage 4 Lung cancer? In cancer, there are stages that are based on the progression of the disease. This can be according the tissue diagnosis, lymph node biopsy and mediastinoscopy. Stage 4 is the most advanced stage in cancer and this may mean involvement of other organs in the body called metastasis. This can also mean that advance damage or malignant activities have been done in the lung area. Doctors who meet up with patients asking for a prognosis usually couldn’t tell much, but the situation can be grave.

Stages of lung cancer

There are 4 stages of cancer if you based it on the common staging based on the area or size affected. The other staging is based on the nodes involvement, called TNM Staging system. For now, we will just focus on the 4 stages of cancer.

Stage I Lung Cancer

The cancer is less than 2 centimeters in size. That could mean that the cancer is too small to be detected or to small to cause damage or symptoms in the body. This stage also shows that there is no lymph node involvement yet.

Stage 2 Lung Cancer

Stage two is a more progressed stage of cancer where the size of the cancer increased to more than 2 centimeters in size, but still lesser than 4 centimeters and no lymph node involvement.

Stage 3 Lung Cancer

This is the stage where the lymph node nearest to the organ or point of origin is affected. Basically, it only affects one lymph node and one that is the nearest and the same side. The cancer is more than 4 centimeters and may now show some symptoms.

Stage 4 Lung Cancer

This stage is the final stage and unfortunately the stage where most people notice the symptoms, which means that it may be too late. The cancer is of any size greater than stage III and it may have metastasized from other areas and not just one lymph nodes. Can affect both sides and may affect other organs as well.

Lung cancer is considered the most critical cancer amongst its classifications. It directly affects the lung area and thus it affects the vital function of respiration. The expectancy rate that is usually given is 5 years. Though, this amount is very dependable on the current condition and advancement of the disease. If sustained damage or great metastasis is being experienced then, the poorer the prognosis will be. Lung cancer once again is very critical and proper treatment should be given immediately.

Stage 4 Lung Cancer is a very crucial stage already that is why preventing it from happening is the best approach for all those at risk. Check with your doctors for any possible options and early diagnostics to prevent the condition.