Understanding What is Stage IV Cancer
What is stage IV cancer of the breast? Stage IV breast cancer is distant metastatic cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Women diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer go through hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of the two. Some may undergo biological therapy. Radiation may control tumors in certain parts of the body. However, this does not allow the woman to live longer. Supportive care together with anticancer treatments slows down the progress of the disease. Any treatment method used to manage pain, symptoms, or side effects of the disease or treatment is called supportive care. It does not aim to lengthen the life of the patient but it will help her feel better physically and emotionally. Some cancer patients prefer supportive care alone.
What is lung cancer stage IV cancer? Stage IV lung cancer involves spread of malignant tumors from the chest to other parts of the body. Treatment for stage IV lung cancer is not geared towards giving cure to the disease. Instead, treatment options are performed to slow down the effects of the disease, prolong survival, diminish symptoms, and maximize comfort. Patients with advanced lung cancer stages are not given the option for surgery as it may not be able to remove the tumor. Chemotherapy is the common form of treatment because it slows down growth of the metastases.
What is colon cancer stage 4? Stage IV colon cancer involves spread of the cancer cells to distant sites such as the liver, lung, peritoneum, or ovary. The goal of surgery in this stage of colon cancer is to relieve the colon and prevent other local complications. A tube may be inserted through the tumor during colonoscopy to avoid surgery when extensive metastases are present. If few metastases are present in the liver and can be removed completely together with the colon cancer, surgery can prolong the life of the patient and may at very seldom times lead to cure. Chemotherapy may also be performed by directly injecting drugs into the arteries that lead to the liver.
Disclaimer: this information should not be taken as medical advise, for medical advise regarding cancer please contact an oncologist or cancer medical personal.