Stage IV lung cancer is the most advanced stage of lung cancer. At this stage, the cancer spreads from the chest and lungs to other parts of the body, such as the liver, kidneys, heart, bones, and sometimes the brain.
Patients with stage IV lung cancer usually have serious complications and their lives could be in jeopardy, depending on where the cancer has spread.
Breathing Difficulties
Stage IV lung cancer patients sometimes have difficulty breathing and may have to be on oxygen or respirators. Depending on the damage to their lungs, they have may limited lung capacity.
Bronchitis and Pneumonia
Stage IV lung cancer patient are also highly susceptible to lung infections, such as bronchitis and pneumonia. They should not be around anyone who has a cold or bronchial infection.
Organ Damage
Because stage IV lung cancer usually spreads to other organs, it's likely that other organs may shut down as a result of the cancer. Some stage IV lung cancer patients may need kidney dialysis or liver transplants as a result of organ damage.
Bone Complications
If stage IV lung cancer spreads to the bones, patients are more likely to suffer hip and joint problems and pain. Sometimes bones may break as a result of the cancer invading the bones.
Brain Tumors
Stage IV lung cancer patients could be at risk for developing brain tumors. When cancer invades the brain, patients are usually given a poor prognosis for survival.
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