What should you know about stage four lung cancer?

Cancer may be present in the other lung, lymph nodes or distant organs. The stage describes where disease is found, not how one person will respond. Doctors consider whether the cancer is small-cell or non-small-cell, the tissue findings, the number and position of spread, breathing capacity and other health conditions.

Genomic tumour profiling may identify changes that help guide medicine selection. Brain imaging may be recommended because lung cancer can spread there. Symptoms such as cough, chest discomfort, breathlessness or a hoarse voice can have several causes, so they need assessment rather than assumptions.

Depending on the findings, care may include chemotherapy, targeted medicines, immunotherapy or radiotherapy. Surgery such as lung lobectomy is used only when the pattern of disease and fitness make it appropriate. Palliative care can begin alongside cancer treatment to address breathlessness, pain, sleep, appetite and emotional strain.

Ask how each option could affect daily activities and what happens if the first plan needs changing. Learn more about [Lung Cancer](/conditions/lung-cancer/), [Genomic Tumour Profiling](/treatments/diagnostics-and-staging/genomic-tumour-profiling/) and [Palliative Care](/treatments/supportive-and-palliative-care/palliative-care/).

Seek emergency help for severe or rapidly worsening breathlessness, blue lips, coughing up a large amount of blood, sudden confusion, a seizure or new weakness. Call the cancer team promptly for fever, worsening chest pain, a new hoarse voice, inability to keep fluids down or a sudden decline in function.

What type of lung cancer is present, and where has it spread? Has genomic profiling been completed? What is the goal of each treatment? Would radiotherapy help a particular symptom? How will breathlessness and pain be managed? Who should I call outside clinic hours?