Understanding Stage IV Lung Cancer: Symptoms and Prognosis

Lung cancer, like other cancers, has four stages. The final stage occurs when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body and is no longer treatable. About 40 percent of people diagnosed with lung cancer have already reached this stage.

Cough

• A persistent cough and/or coughing up blood may occur during stage IV lung cancer.

Pain

• When lung cancer has reached stage IV, pain may occur in the chest, back and arms.

Lung Infections

• Repeated episodes of bronchitis or pneumonia may indicate that lung cancer has reached stage IV.

Other Symptoms

• Other symptoms of stage IV lung cancer are shortness of breath, wheezing and hoarseness.

Signs the Cancer Has Spread

• If the cancer has spread into the bone, pain may occur in the back, hips or ribs. Cancer that has spread into the esophagus may cause difficulty swallowing. Cancer that has spread to the brain may cause headaches, vision changes, weakness or seizures.

General Metastatic Cancer Symptoms

• General symptoms of cancer that has spread (called metastatic cancer) are fatigue, weight loss and loss of appetite.