Lung Cancer Metastasis

Question: What is metastasis and at what stage during the devolopment of lung cancer would it start to occur? Is metastasis when the cancer spreads from the lungs to other parts of the body maybe? Would it maybe occur when the cancer reaches the aveoli and can pass through the blood stream?

Answer: Metastasis is the spread of cancer from the original location. By definition of each stage of cancer, metastatis is criteria for stage 3 and up cancer. Spread to another organ is clearly metastatis.

Question: Metastases Lung Cancer - My mother had a tumor removed from her R lung OctoBer 2004 we just found out a month ago that it is in her lymph nodes and shoulder bone. She starts Radiation today and a PET scan as well. I have to have the answer to this question to prepare myself and to know how much time I have with my mother. She is 72. Can you please tell me the good or Bad. How long does she have.

Answer: "Sarahnad" has a good answer. If this is a non-small cell lung cancer metastatic to lymph nodes and bone, it is not a curable malignancy. The goal of RT with or without chemotherapy is to buy as much quality time as possible - usually additional months not years. There are many types of chemotherapy treatments - multiple drugs in various doses, schedules, and combinations. It will be a complicated discussion between the patient and the oncologist deciding upon the approach to treatment - - which options to try. It is VERY useful to have one or more calm, thoughtful, family members present at these discussions. Patients are often in shock, denial, anger, or disbelief and hear very little of what we (as physicians) explain. Family members who hear the details only from the patient do not get the whole story. Most cancer specialty doctors cannot explain everything over and over for each family member due to the huge amount of time it takes, so it is best if concerned family members come with their loved one for the oncology doctor visits. There is no "one size fits all" treatment for these situations, so discussions regarding personal preferences for individualized treatment are very important.

Question: lung cancer (metastasized)? my husband had a fatty tumor removed(non-cancer). later his arm was sore. went and got an x-ray, they noticed a black spot on his arm. from there it was mri,cat-scan,etc. and then found the lung cancer(metastases). how's that? when he never had anything wrong before? his lungs always sounded great.

Answer: Sometimes a lung tumor won't show up on a basic xray but does on CT scan. They may be able to treat it with chemo, it sounds like it is still fairly small. I know its a shock, but it does happen. I was always very healthy, and getting dx'd with stage iv lung cancer was a shock. With treatment, your husband may do very well.. see the oncologist and get a plan in motion.

Question: Does my mother have stage IIIA or stage IIIB lung cancer? My mother was recently diagnosed with lung cancer (10mm active nodule and 13mm non active nodule, both on the right lung). However, it seems there's fluid around the lungs which could indicate metastasis... how do we confirm which stage of cancer it is; IIIA or IIIB?

Answer: It is confirmed by removing the fluid and having a pathologist look at it to see if there are any malignant cells present. If there is it is a stage IIIB, provided there are no distant mets. If there are distant mets then it is a stage IV.

Question: My mom was just diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer? My mother was just diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer that metastasis to the hip. Several things said by her male companion of 7yrs leads me to believe he will probably leave her when things start getting tough during her treatments that will begin on July 18th. I have Power Of Attorney and I'm her health care proxy. I have promised her that no matter what I will see her through this, good or bad. What else can I do to protect her from the hurt he will ultimately place upon her when he leaves her in her time of need?? I truly want to kick his a$$ to the curb for her but I know that it's not my place to do this or get involved in their relationship. What other options are at my disposal to make him leave now before he breaks her heart later once she becomes more vulernable???

Answer: i am sorry for the news. there are soem people i know who is fighting with lung cancer for a long while and they look quite all right. the treatments are difficult but she and you shoudlnt lose your faith for treatment, because i saw miracles with my eyes. for main question : you can consult a psychologist to get a professional advise. you can ask how you can deal with negative people around her, how can you support her emotionally, what can she do to feel better during this period, how you both can cope with the stress and worries,etc. that is a very serious matter i think and you ar right abotu your worries, she is your mother at the end..so i think you will get the best solutions from a professional. there is always hope, try to keep your heart calm and peacefull. with my best wishes to your mother and you.

Question: is it the same a lung cancer and a tumor that grow in the lung for the metastasise of other tumor? It is the same question for any other kind of cancer. My question is if when you have metastasis you have differente kind of cancers or only one in different tissues. If you have different kinds of cancer, must they be treated sepately?

Answer: If you are asking if lung cancer cells and a metastasis from a breast cancer to the lungs are the same . . the answer is no they are not the same. A lung cancer cell orginates in the lung and will always be a lung cell. A breast cancer cell dislodges from the breast tissue and spreds to other areas . . that is called metastes. Metastatic breast cells can lodge in the lung and grow . . they are still breast cells, but are now growing at a distant site. Metastatic cancer cells can all be treated with the same protocol. In some occasions the patient may have two separate cancers . . a patient can have sarcoma and also have leukemia. In this case the patient may need to be treated for both diseases . . but it is extremely difficult. I do know one survivor who had both stage IV sarcoma and pre-leukemia, he was treated, had stem cell rescue, now disease free, and he is doing well right now.

Question: what to expect in the final stages of brain cancer (metastasis)? my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer in her lungs, hips, spine, liver, esophagus, stomach, scapula, and brain. she was given two weeks to live as of 10 days ago. she is home with hospice, and has signed a living will. she has had no food or water in the past 5 days. she is on pain medicines for pain, but i was wondering what is to come. i don't think it can be much worse that it's already been. what can i do be more prepared?? what will be the next stage, and what do i look for to know when her time here with us is getting close to the end? her breathing has already starting going irregular. she will go about 10-15 seconds without breathing, and then catch her breath. her feet have started to turn a blue tint. all these things together, i know the end is close. she will still respond with a hand movement to let me know she understands me. she has told me through hand movements that her stomach and hips hurt, so i was scared that the pain medicines were not working.

Answer: sounds like the angels will be coming for her soon...

Question: Lung cancer question? If someone has been diagnosed with stage 3 or 4 non small cell lung cancer ,then is it Primary or secondary ? How is metastasis related to it?

Answer: If someone is diagnosed with lung cancer that is their primary cancer. Secondary cancer is when the Primary cancer has already spread (metastased) to another area - lung cancer normally spreads to the brain . Cancer doesn't always metastasize depends on the staging and whether it was resected(surgically removed) or treated with chemo, and radiation.. Hopefully if the primary cancer is taken care of it will not spread. Metastases means spreading..

Question: I have a bunch of questions on lung cancer. I need YOUR help!? a)How does cigarette smoke affect the mucous layer in the bronchi? b)Why does the mucous layer decrease in size when cancer advances? c)At what stage might metastasis start to occur? d) Cancer cells often use lymph vessels as pathways to other parts of the body, where they continue to divide. why does this caharcteristic make cancer especially dangerous?

Answer: You can probably find all these answers on the American Lung Cancer Association website. Sorry I can't be of more help.

Question: smoking and lung cancer? -at what stage might metastasis start to occur? -cancer cells often use lymph vessels as pathways to other parts of the body, where they continue to divide. Why does this characteristc make cancer espcielaly dangerous?

Answer: Cancer stages are graded by their metastatic properties, so your question doesn't really fit. You could never smoke and still get lung ca. You could smoke for 30 years and not get lung ca. There is a definate, significant increase if you do smoke (so don't do it). NOt to mention emphazema and other nasty illnesses. Metastatic lung ca is stage 3 and 4 i think. Also the question regarding lymph nodes is phrased poorly. It's the fact that cancers can break off, enter the blood stream, emerge somewhere else and grow that make them so damn difficult to treat (esp. late stage). Once you have mets its very difficult to treat; for every met you'd have to radiate, surgury. Also met. cancer is highly mutagenic so its likely to survive whatever you throw at it. Early stage cancers will respond much better to treatment.

Question: Birthday Gift for Cancer Victim? My mother has cancer (lung w/metastasis) and her birthday is coming up. I wanted to buy her a necklace that I saw on Bidz one time that had a golden pendant in the shape of the cancer ribbon. She would really like that but now I can't find it. Does anyone know where I can find this necklace? Or have any ideas for other gifts?

Answer: 14 carat gold Charm for $25 http://www.generousgems.com/ribbon_goldall.html Like everyone else has said, just make sure you treasure your time with your mom. Take the time to learn as much as you can about her. Talk to her about what she's done in her life, like what her favorite memories are, what she regrets and what she hopes you'll never go through. Ask her what she wants for you in your life, and treasure every lesson. Parents are full of wisdom and love us in a way that no one else ever can. Give and take all the love that you can while you can, and be grateful for each day. Don't forget to laugh!

Question: With the cancer mesothelioma, what effect does metastasis to the lymph nodes have on the patient? I'm doing some research and have heard that it's common for mesothelioma, in more advanced stages, to metastasize to the lungs. What symptoms does this cause for the patient? Thank you in advance. Whoops, I meant lymph nodes, not lungs. And I am aware what metastasis means, I'm just wondering what metastasis particularly to the lymph nodes would cause.

Answer: It would cause an avenue tor the cancer to spread to other areas of the body. This is a highly lethal disease. Less than 10% survive 5 years.

Question: Can you spare a prayer for my mother? (in hospital, pain and cancer)? Hello, all: My mother has lung cancer with metastases in the liver and spine, and although her prognosis still gives her a few months to live, she ended up in hospital on Monday with severely increased pain, intermittant nausea, and sharply reduced appetite. They've been trying to get a handle on her pain, but so far the narcotics aren't completely covering it, which is very worrisome. All they've really done is completely space her out. She hasn't eaten anything but a little bit of Ensure in the last three days. And just today she's come down with some kind of infection, which has given her a fever; we're still waiting for blood culture results to find out exactly what's going on. If anyone can spare a prayer for Barbara of Winnipeg, mother of Prairie Crow, currently in Grace General Hospital, I'd very much appreciate it. Right now she needs all the help she can get. Here is the prayer I spoke over her today, in case anyone else would also like to use it, or some variation thereof (edited to suit your own religion): "Gracious Lord and Lady, Apollo and Isis, smile upon Barbara, I pray, and lend her strength and courage in her time of illness and pain. Also, grant her health care providers wisdom and gentleness and compassion, so that they may give her what she best needs in order to recover and be well cared for. As I will, and in Thy holy names, so mote it be." TTC (and all other Christians who have responded) -- I am certainly not offended by your offering prayers to the Christian God on my mother's behalf. Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness and kindness. Midge -- my mother is also Wiccan, so I doubt she'll be asking for a Catholic priest in her last hours. ;-)

Answer: I will pray to God Almighty for your mother.

Question: Is it possible to get Breast cancer metastases after 17 yrs? CT scan recently showed problems on the lung pleura and a 5.9cm mass in or on the Spleen. The docs are saying possible metastases but I find that hard to believe after all this time. I do have bad pain in the Spleen area and my doc says there is something nasty going on. I've been referred to St. Vincents Oncology dept. Waiting to hear appt. date. I'm hoping someone with medical knowledge will answer this. Thanks.

Answer: I'm a young doctor in Romania and I have medical knowledge to answer this. Unfortunately I saw a case of breast cancer metastases after 18 years. The person had a mastectomy 18 years ago for a mucinous breast carcinoma and after 18 yeras developed metastases in her lung. But I find this case extremly rare and I don't belive it's the first thing you should think about. Probably it's something else and your oncologist will know the next step in fing out what it is. I advise you to try a biopsy, or even a splenectomy if he is recommending you such things because it is very important to know what you are dealing with. Good luck, and I wish to find more about this when you will know more. Cristiana P.S. Also, if you want, read my blog about cancers: http://www.newcancerguide.com/tag/women-and-cancer/

Question: i just found out i need to have radiaton treatments of the brain, what will in be like ? i know i will lose my hair but are there any other effects i should know about? it's being prescribed for my lung cancer metastasis. there several lesions that they say will shrink or die off. i know there are probably not too many people that have been through this that can respond but i just want to know what to expect, thanks in advance,M

Answer: Radiation treatments for brain cancer are more precise than in years past. The doctors are able to target the cancer cells more accurately. Thus less side effects. There is the possibility of damage to areas of the brain not invaded by cancer. The symptoms will vary depending on what area of the brain is affected. The following site gives a lot of pertinent information: http://www.abta.org/index.cfm?contentid=105 You will be monitored very closely by doctors and nurses throughout your treatment. My sister was recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She had surgery (hysterectomy). They also took out several (7) lymph nodes and the omentum (fat layer covering the stomach). She now weighs a few pounds less. The outlook is promising. She is beginning chemotherapy and starting to loose her hair. I came up to Connecticut from Florida to be with her. A positive attitude and lots of support from family and friends really helps. I sincerely empathize with you. I surely wish you the best outcome. Never hesitate to ask questions of your health care provider team. They should be willing to help in any way they can. I don't know your location but there are many regional centers for oncology. In our area it is Women's and Infants Hospital in Providence, RI. My sister's condition is stage 3 ovarian cancer only by the fact that it metastisized to only one lymph node. However it was diagnosed at an early stage. Your doctor may be in touch with doctors at your regional center for oncology. Get the best care you can. I showed your question to my sister. We are all pulling for you and you are in our prayers. Please let me know how you are doing.

Question: Cancer - Time Frame? My mother has a recurrent bile duct cancer, with metastases in her liver and lungs (diagnosed 6 months ago). Only now has she started experiencing pain (such as in her arm). I would greatly appreciate if anyone could please describe the final weeks/days/hours of a person dying of liver/lung cancer: Thank you.

Answer: Hello, My grandmother died from Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma which had surrounded her kidneys and liver. We immediately called hospice, and they were wonderful. I highly suggest it - the hospice nurses knew exactly what medicines and pain killers to prescribe. They were much more knowledgeable than the doctors. Cancer that attacks the liver and kidneys interferes with the body's ability to remove toxins from the body (which is the job of the liver). As toxins begin to build in the body, a person will be lulled into a semi-comatose state. The hospice nurses told me that was peaceful - the body is just lulled into sleep and there is not much pain. Of course, no one can predict the exact course of the disease. But please look into hospice care and try to catch the pain as soon as it starts. Immediately taking pain meds at the onset of pain will keep it to a low murmur instead of a roar. I will keep your mother and you in my prayers.