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how long can survive like this?


Sent to Health Experts December 12, 2007 11:09 a.m.

found spot on lung 3 yrs ago, this year spread to bone now to liver.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status: Closed   Value: $10   
Answer
December 12, 2007 11:21 a.m. (11 minutes and 40 seconds later)
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Mickman,

I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Have you had a biopsy of the "spots"? Are they proven cancerous? Cancer prognosis depends on three main things: the type of cancer, the aggressiveness of the cancer, and the organs/tissues it has already spread to.

In most types of cancer, once it has spread to bones and liver, it almost always means a worse prognosis. However, some types are much more treatable than others.

If your doctor believes that you have a primary lung cancer, that has spread to the other organs you listed, you would be classified as a Stage IV (stage 4) lung cancer. Currently, one year survival rate for this stage is anywhere from 10-35%, with a 5 year survival rate of about 2%.

Consultation with your doctor is definitely recommended, however, as there are some treatments that can improve the quality of any remaining time you have, so you can live as symptom-free as possible.

Information on cancer prognosis information:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cancer/CA00049

Information on lung cancer staging:

http://patients.uptodate.com/topic.asp?file=cancer/9320

Information on stage 4 lung cancer prognosis:

http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=6747#stage

I hope this was helpful. I looked through the links above and they also have some good information.

Best of luck to you and your family as you struggle with this,

-Dr. Scott W.

PictureDr. Scott W  -- Physician (MD) -- 100% Positive Feedback on 220 Health Accepts
Practicing Emergency Physician in Houston, Texas. I would be happy to answer any question!!

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