Lung Cancer Prognosis

Question: What prognosis doea a patient have with copd and lung cancer? My husband has had copd for 4 years and now has lung cancer and also has traveled to the lymph node, what prognosis will he have with no treatment?

Answer: Ma'am I hate to say this but Lung cancer is quite bad esp in the stage you are describing. With COPD its worse primarily because an already compromised lung cant compensate for cancer and treatment related further lung damage.

Question: What is the prognosis for a dog with metastatic lung cancer? My dog was just diagnosed yesterday and I want to know how long she has.

Answer: Hi, Dog's cancer also known as Canine lymphoma. Mostly chemotherapy will be applied to treat it. This website provided more information about canine lymphoma. http://canine-lymphoma.blogspot.com/ Thanks Narza

Question: What is the prognosis of lung cancer?

Answer: it depends on how far the cancer has spread. My husband was diagnosed March 20th He passed on June 6th

Question: If a doctor did not give a prognosis to a patient w/ lung cancer, is that bad news? My mother was recently diagnosed with stage 3B lung cancer. They immediatly started 5 days of radiation (for a total of 8 weeks) and 6 days for her first round of chemo. Her oncologist did not give her a prognosis, but my mom didn't ask either. Is that bad news, or did the doctor not say b/c my mother didn't ask?

Answer: I take care of many people with lung cancer, and sometimes I choose to simply say we're dealing with an aggressive tumor rather than telling a patient what the odds are for success. Some people aren't ready to process that information or prefer to maintain hope about how well treatment will work. As others have mentioned, all estimates I can give are exactly that; it applies to large groups of people but success for any one person is either 100% or 0%; it happens or it doesn't. I have to say, eight weeks of radiation sounds long. Is she on a clinical trial? If not, then I would make sure your mom asks about what the standard RT dose and length of treatment is and why such a long course of treatment. I wish your mom and your family the best and hope her treatment goes as smoothly as possible.

Question: What is the prognosis for stage 3b non small cell lung cancer?

Answer: Stage III-B Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer has a five year survival rate of approximately 10% according to the American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_3x_How_Is_Non-Small_Cell_Lung_Cancer_Staged.asp?sitearea= The numbers are based on people diagnosed between 1998 and 2001, and the numbers may have improved somewhat since then. But the prognosis is generally fairly bleak for this stage of cancer. A few links where you can learn more about this kind of cancer: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/small-cell-lung/patient http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_2_1x_What_Is_Non-small_Cell_Lung_Cancer.asp?rnav=cri http://www.emedicinehealth.com/non-small-cell_lung_cancer/article_em.htm

Question: what is the prognosis for lung cancer spread to the liver, growing after 2 chemo treatments?

Answer: Lung cancer with liver mets has a 5 yr survival rate of less than 1%, To be honest, this is when the cancer pt has to decide whether to enjoy the time they have left or to pursue treatment which usually does not have a favorable outcome.

Question: What's the most possible prognosis of small cell lung cancer ( limited stage )?

Answer: Cure is possible, but unfortunately rare. While some authors quote 5 year survival rates (which would be a cure for this disease) of 20%, I believe it is closer to 10%. I have one 5 year survivor currently, the longest in 10 years of treating patients. Blessings

Question: Breast Cancer metastisized to left lung. Small nodule only. Will start chemo soon. Prognosis? My sis has had Breast Cancer for 15 years. It just metastasized to her left lung. Just a small nodule. She will start chemo soon. What are her chances of survival now that it is in her lung, even though it is small? Prognosis?

Answer: Talk to a medical professional you trust. Also join a support group.

Question: What does it mean if you have "abnormal" lung cells that may be "preliminary" cancer cells? Prognosis? My father has had a clear chest xray, but "abnormal" cells were found in his sputum. He was told they "probably weren't cancer" but they were perhaps "preliminary" cancer cells. He is scheduled for a CAT scan. What does this mean? Provided they find no tumors with the CAT scan...what's the treatment? What's the prognosis? I am familiar with the different types of cancer in the lungs. However, I guess I am wondering if "abnormal" cells are necessarily indicative of a malignant process and, if so, what the prognosis and treatment is when there is no localized tumor. Rather, there are just the "abnormal" cells.

Answer: Small cell lung cancer characterized by aggressive rapid growth of cancer starting in the normal lung cell. Also called oat cell carcinoma, this type of lung cancer cell appears small and round when viewed under a microscope. Lung cancer usually occurs because some outside factor, called a carcinogen, has triggered the growth of abnormal, cancerous cells in the lung. These cancerous cells multiply out of control and eventually form a mass called a tumor. As the tumor grows, it destroys nearby areas of the lung. Eventually, the tumor's abnormal cells can spread (metastasize) to nearby lymph nodes and to distant organs, such as the brain. In most cases, the carcinogens that trigger lung cancer are chemicals found in cigarette smoke. Lung cancers are divided into two basic groups, non–small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer, based on the microscopic appearance of the tumor cells. These two groups are treated differently. Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Non–small cell lung cancer is more likely than small cell cancer to be localized at the time of diagnosis. It also is more likely than small cell cancer to be treatable with surgery, but it often responds poorly to chemotherapy. Non–small cell lung cancer is divided into several subgroups based on how the cancerous cells look under a microscope: Adenocarcinoma (32% of cases) — This is the most common type of lung cancer. Although it is related to smoking, it is also the most common type of lung cancer seen in nonsmokers. Adenocarcinoma is the most frequent form of lung cancer seen in women and in people younger than 45. It usually develops near the edge of the lung and can involve the membrane covering the lung, called the pleura. Squamous cell (epidermoid) carcinoma (30% of cases) — This form of lung cancer tends to develop as an abnormal mass near the center of the lungs. As the mass gets larger, it can bulge into one of the larger air passages, called the bronchi. In 10% to 20% of cases, the tumor forms a cavity in the lungs (cavitates). Large cell carcinoma (10% to 20% of cases) — Like adenocarcinoma, large cell carcinoma tends to develop at the edge of the lungs and spread to the pleura. Like squamous (epidermoid) carcinoma, it cavitates in 10% to 20% of patients. Adenosquamous carcinoma, undifferentiated carcinoma, and bronchioloalveolar carcinoma — These are three relatively rare forms of non–small cell lung cancer. Prognosis The outlook depends on the type of lung cancer, its stage, and the overall health of the patient. In general, only 14% of patients with lung cancer survive for more than 5 years after diagnosis. More specifically, 5-year survival rates vary according to the type of lung cancer: Adenocarcinoma — 17% Squamous cell carcinoma — 15% Large cell carcinoma — 11% Small cell carcinoma — 5%

Question: where can i find the prognosis of and treatment for 4th stage lung cancer?

Answer: The answer depend on the type of cancer and the types of therapy that have been used to date. The web site I list here was helpful for me, I hope it helps you.

Question: i have been diagnosed with lung cancer but not given any prognosis! why? i also have copd, pulmonary fibrosis and mitral valve disease with no prognosis other than the fact that pulmonary fibrosis is a killer

Answer: Hiya Ian, firstly I'm so sorry 2 hear this, i can and do understand just how you must be feeling as i lost someone i loved very much to lung cancer last year. However it isn't always bad news and although you also have other serious health issues the most important thing is for you to be told all your options and to have the best quality of life. No one can predict how long we have, so try and live each day to the full, i hope you have plenty of support around you and my thoughts and prayers are with you. take care x

Question: How early is 'early ' when it comes to detecting lung cancer? 5 years ago my Fiance had a malignant sarcoma tumor in his arm; he followed up with all of his regular MRI check ups except for last year. His last MRI was 2 years ago and up unit now everything seemed to be gone. On his last MRI they found a "8mm mass on his lungs". He was advised that if the cancer came back, it would come back in his lungs. Is this catching it "early"? Does this prolong prognosis? Is there risk of that the cancer has already metastasized? He is a smoker, but is in the process of quitting.

Answer: Oh dear… an 8mm mass on his lungs in never good news. I feel sorry for your both, especially for your fiancée…this is definitely not caching “it� early, for it is a secondary tumor, and a big one. Once you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, you must keep present you’ve become a cancer survivor for as long as you live and thus never, never, ever think or believe you are over the fence, so to speak; cancer is treacherous and, as a survivor, one must NEVER let one’s guard down. As for the prognosis, see what the doctors have to say, and make the BEST out of it.

Question: prognosis for "large small cell lung cancer".?

Answer: Is this for curiosity's sake, or a serious medical question? I only ask because in the latter case it's best to get information directly from the doctor treating the disease. I will say, however, that these things depend on a number of variables. First, do you mean "large small cell tumor?" What stage is it in? Has it metastasized (spread to other organs)? How healthy is the patient? How old? Small cell carcinoma is a very aggressive cancer, spreading quickly and not always detected at an early stage. However it is also very responsive to radiation and chemotherapy, making it easier to treat once it's found. If the patient is healthy and able to endure the treatment, once they reach the 2 year mark things are looking good.

Question: How do you explain to a 7 yr old her nana has cancer? My ex husband wants me to explain to our 7 yr old that his granny which she is extremely close to has lung cancer. My daughters papa just died 6 months ago how do I tell her that her nana has lung cancer and the prognosis isnt good?

Answer: Straight an direct, but with kindness in your tone. This is the most psychologically healthy way. Kids are amazing and while we don't want to place al the burdens of the world on them at once, understanding about death and dying is important and she is old enough to have a reasonable understanding of what is about to happen Be prepared to answer any questions she may have. These sites may help you. http://lungcancercap.org/kids.htm http://www.mariecurie.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/C1EBC846-403E-4113-A932-25A128999063/0/talking_to_children.pdf http://endoflifecare.tripod.com/kidsyoungadults/id34.html If you don't have adobe acrobat reader on your computer, you may need to install it for link 2 only, but most computers have it. Kids do best when adults are direct and honest with them. Not an easy task, but one you will handle very well, I'm sure. God Bless!

Question: cancer prognosis information, please? on my second anniversary of my lung resection for cancer of the lung, i was told that my cancer metastasized to my brain and a lymph node near my esophagus and possibly to my chest wall. surgery is not an option but i am receiving radiation to the brain and then a course of Tarseva (sp?) chemotherapy. over the past week or so i have been dealing with disappointment and am even able to resurrect some hope. when you ask for a prognosis of time and your physician says that she can say "9-12 months with treatment but of course that varies." are the dr.s being conservative and when do they know when to challenge the patient to fight for more life and when to go too far the other way to palliative therapy. i also have a strong faith in God and believe that the human ability to be positive in healing is very important. i would be interested in comments from those in the medical field or patients who are dealing with these issues. thanks in advance. i am trying to be honest with myself and am working through the stages of acceptance that this is in fact terminal. i just want to contibute what and while i can.

Answer: I only deal with cancer. I work for several hospitals and know a lot of doctors personally and professionally. My ex is a urologist who specializes in cancer. From my experience doctors are as honest with their patients as they can possibly be. They do their best not to influence them on continuing or stopping treatment. This is the patient’s decision it is their right. Doctors know they do not have all the answers. They base their answers regarding prognosis on known statistics, their experience and their knowledge of the patient; including their history, disease and response to treatment. It is simply an educated guess and it is the best they can do. The human body and spirit are so remarkable and there are so many things we do not understand about them. When you work in this environment you often see things that do not follow the textbook and that we cannot explain. I attend at least 3 meetings a month with doctors from all different specialties going over cases. Sometimes patients die that we do not expect to, but more often they live, sometimes for many years and we don’t know why. I think your attitude is good as well. I hope I was able to give you some of the answers you are looking for. For someone in your position there is no right or wrong way. All that matters is what is best for you and that comes from within. May God bless you.

Question: cancer from lung to liver? whats the prognosis of liver cancer just wondering my mom had lung cancer and now theres a spot on her liver

Answer: Yes, some types of cancer travel from organ to organ. Sometimes even into the brain. Good luck to her and you. Pops