Metastatic Lung Cancer Survival Rate
Metastatic cancers are the cancers that are characterized by their origin. These cancers, even after spreading to another organ, are still identified by the name of the organ they started from. For instance, if lung cancer affects another organ, say the liver, it will be called metastatic lung cancer and not liver cancer.
It should be noted that metastatic cancer is not the same as second primary cancer. The survival rate of metastatic lung cancer is different from that of the second primary cancer. Abnormal cells in a new organ are part of metastases only when the cells show similarity to primary cancer, whereas second primary cancer involves the new growth of abnormal cells which are not similar to cancer cells belonging to any other part of the body. The latter kind of cancer is also rare.
Some of the organs most commonly affected in metastatic lung cancer include the lymph nodes, brain, liver, adrenal glands, and bones. Although not completely impossible, but, in rare cases, it may also spread to the stomach, intestines, pancreas, and kidneys.
Metastatic lung cancer survival rate indicates the rate of people who are alive after a specific period of time following the diagnosis. Five years is the time period that is taken as the base to calculate survival rate. Patients who live beyond this period may live for much longer than that too.
The five-year survival rate for stage A1 cancer is over 90 percent, while for A2 it is 83 percent, and A3 is about 77 percent. For stage IB, the survival rate is nearly 68 percent. The survival rate drops to 60 percent for IIA stage cancer and 53 percent for IIB cancer. The five-year survival rate is at 36 percent for stage IIIA patients, while it is about 26 percent and 13 percent for stage IIIB and IIIC patients, respectively. The metastatic lung cancer survival rate is very less and even less than 1 percent. However, there are several treatment options available that may help in treating cancer at this stage as well.
It is important to note that these survival rates are only a rough indication. It really depends on the patient’s condition and treatment to determine if they can get better.
The indicator of metastatic lung cancer is cancer growing in tissues nearby. Sometimes, these cancer cells break away from the origin and spread through the bloodstream too.
Since metastatic cancer cannot be predicted on the basis of medical history or any other factors, the best way to prevent it is by treating the lung cancer actively. You can even avoid lung cancer by taking proper care and making certain lifestyle changes. These changes include quitting smoking and avoiding any passive forms of smoking.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with metastatic cancer, it is important to remember that support from family, friends, and loved ones can help overcome the feelings of anxiety and anger that may be part of the process. Joining a cancer support group or attending counseling is also highly beneficial.
