Cancer alone is an overwhelming disease to get diagnosed with, and it comes with even more questions, doubts, and emotional turmoil when it’s at stage 4. Also called “metastatic cancer,” it means that the cancer has advanced severely, but various treatments and support systems offer hope for patients and their loved ones. Let’s discuss what it means, its treatment options, and how to cope through the journey.
A Closer Look at the Diagnosis
Cancer metastasizes when the immune system becomes weak, tissues aren’t receiving enough oxygen, or lactic acid accumulates in the blood. It can also happen when cells undergo autophagy. This process reuses old and damaged cell parts but can also cause errors in some cells’ DNA, potentially making them cancerous.
At stage 4, the cancerous cells moved further from the original location to other body areas. For example, metastatic lung cancer means the tumors have migrated to the surrounding fluids or nearby organs like the heart, liver, or adrenal glands. In breast cancer, the cancerous cells have reached lymph nodes or other body parts like the lungs and brain at stage 4.
To confirm whether you have stage 4 cancer, doctors must run several tests, including imaging scans, biopsies, and blood tests. They also assess the patient’s overall health, the tumor type, size, primary site, and whether the cancer is present in surrounding tissues, lymph nodes, and other organs.
Dealing With Metastatic Cancer
A stage 4 diagnosis doesn’t automatically mean the cancer is terminal, but it can be more complex to cure because the tumors are no longer confined to a single area. Some approaches intend to slow down or halt the metastasis, while others focus on relieving symptoms and enhancing overall quality of life.
Doctors personalize treatment plans since cancer manifests differently for every patient. Nevertheless, they often recommend systemic drug therapies as standalone or combined treatments, such as:
- Radiation therapy, which shrinks tumors, kills cancer cells and eases pain
- Chemotherapy, which shrinks and kills cancer cells
- Immunotherapy, which boosts and orients the immune defense system to eradicate tumors
- Hormone therapy, which targets tumors that grow in response to certain hormones
- Targeted therapy, which attacks specific cancer cell features and stops their growth
Surgery isn’t always necessary when treating metastatic cancer, though sometimes it’s performed when the tumor site is small. In addition, doctors and healthcare teams may draw up a palliative care plan to relieve pain and control symptoms and the treatment’s side effects. It also helps patients manage their psychological, spiritual, and social wellness throughout their recovery.
Get Clear, Compassionate Guidance Today
Facing metastatic cancer is never easy, but it’s easier to cope with when you understand what happens at this stage and your treatment options. Moreover, work closely with your doctors and care team to ensure you’re taking the right steps to healing. Speak with the Cochise Oncology team for more information and exceptional support.
