End stage metastatic lung cancer symptoms

Metastatic lung cancer can cause cough, chest discomfort, breathlessness, tiredness, reduced appetite, weight loss, and difficulty sleeping. Spread to the brain may bring headache, confusion, seizures, balance problems, or weakness. Bone involvement can cause persistent pain or a fracture. A hoarse voice may develop when nearby nerves or structures are affected. Symptoms can also come from infection, fluid around the lung, medicines, or another condition, so a change should be reported rather than interpreted alone. The lung cancer page gives wider background, while genomic tumour profiling may help identify treatment options for some tumours.

Tell the team which symptom limits you most and when it changes. They may adjust medicines, treat infection, drain fluid, provide oxygen when appropriate, or use radiotherapy for a painful or obstructing area. Palliative care can address breathlessness, pain, nausea, anxiety, sleep, and family concerns. Keep activity gentle, take small nourishing drinks or meals as tolerated, and ask for help with washing, meals, and safe movement. Do not start or stop medicines, oxygen, or supplements without medical advice.

Get emergency help for severe breathlessness, blue or grey lips, sudden confusion, a seizure, fainting, new one-sided weakness, or uncontrolled bleeding. Call the oncology team urgently for rapidly worsening pain, a new severe headache, repeated vomiting, inability to pass urine, fever, or a sudden decline in alertness. A new symptom may be treatable even when the cancer is advanced.

Could this symptom be caused by spread, infection, fluid, or treatment? What can we do today for breathlessness or pain? Which changes should trigger an emergency call? Is home palliative support available? What help can relatives provide safely?