Late-Stage Lung Cancer: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prognosis

Q: Late-Stage Lung Cancer: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prognosis

Hello： Since I have not seen your mother's pathology report, CT imaging, etc., I currently do not know the extent of her lung cancer. <br>If the cancer cells have spread, chemotherapy will be the primary treatment. <br>Even in the advanced stages of cancer, chemotherapy can still

Terminal lung cancer

Hello, my mother was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2010 due to pleural effusion, but she was classified as stage III and could not undergo surgery, so she was treated with chemotherapy, including cisplatin-based chemotherapy, and has also received oral targeted therapy.
1.
Originally, the cancer was in the left lung, but it has recently been found that cancer cells have also appeared in the right lung.
Does this indicate that she has reached the terminal stage? 2.
In the past week, she has been experiencing persistent abdominal effusion.
Does this mean that the cancer cells have spread to the abdomen? 3.
If she is in the terminal stage, what is the effectiveness of continued chemotherapy? What is the estimated survival rate?

yuki, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2013/07/25

Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology

Hello: Since I have not seen your mother's pathology report, CT imaging, etc., I currently do not know the extent of her lung cancer.
If the cancer cells have spread, chemotherapy will be the primary treatment.
Even in the advanced stages of cancer, chemotherapy can still be administered.
I recommend that you bring the following documents to the outpatient clinic for consultation: cancer marker blood test reports, pathology reports, CT imaging and written reports, bone scan results, PET scan results, records of radiation and chemotherapy, and a summary of the physician's medical history.
~Changhua Hospital cares about you~

Reply Date: 2013/07/25

More Info

Understanding late-stage lung cancer involves recognizing its symptoms, treatment options, and prognosis. Your mother's situation, having been diagnosed with lung cancer in 2010 and undergoing chemotherapy, indicates a long battle with this disease. Here’s a detailed overview based on the questions you raised.

1. Diagnosis of Late-Stage Lung Cancer: The fact that cancer cells have been found in the right lung after previously being identified in the left lung is concerning. This could suggest progression of the disease, potentially indicating a late-stage diagnosis. In lung cancer, particularly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the presence of cancer in both lungs often signifies advanced disease. However, the definitive staging would depend on various factors, including imaging studies and the presence of metastasis to other organs.

2. Ascites and Cancer Spread: The recent development of abdominal fluid accumulation (ascites) can be a sign of cancer spread, particularly if it is associated with other symptoms such as abdominal pain or swelling. In lung cancer, ascites can occur if the cancer has metastasized to the liver or peritoneum. However, ascites can also result from other non-cancerous conditions, such as liver cirrhosis or heart failure. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the cause of the ascites through imaging and possibly paracentesis (removal of fluid for analysis).

3. Effectiveness of Chemotherapy in Late-Stage Cancer: In late-stage lung cancer, chemotherapy can still be effective, but the response varies significantly among individuals. The goal of chemotherapy at this stage is often palliative, aiming to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life rather than cure the disease. The effectiveness of chemotherapy can be assessed through imaging studies and monitoring tumor markers, such as CEA and CA19-9, which you mentioned. An increase in these markers may indicate that the cancer is not responding to treatment, but they are not definitive on their own.

4. Prognosis and Survival Rates: The prognosis for late-stage lung cancer is generally poor, with survival rates significantly decreasing as the disease progresses. Factors influencing survival include the patient's overall health, response to treatment, and specific characteristics of the cancer (such as histology and molecular markers). While some patients may live for several months to a few years with appropriate treatment, others may have a more limited prognosis. It is essential to have open discussions with the healthcare team to understand the specific situation better.

In conclusion, your mother's case reflects the complexities of lung cancer management, especially in advanced stages. Continuous monitoring, supportive care, and possibly exploring clinical trials or newer therapies may provide additional options. It is vital to maintain communication with her healthcare providers to navigate this challenging journey effectively.

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