Usually, cancer affects just one part of the body. However, in the case of metastatic cancer, the cancer cells leave the primary site area and travel through the bloodstream or the lymph system to other parts of the body. The cancerous cells metastasize, spread to other body parts and form metastatic tumors. Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer or NSCLC is one of the well-known cancers of this type.

Metastatic NSCLC is a life-threatening condition. It commonly results from the following forms of cancer: kidney cancer, breast cancer, bladder cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, sarcoma and so on. Since the symptoms of metastatic NSCLC do not develop immediately, it becomes difficult to diagnose and provide metastatic NSCLC treatments immediately. Also, it is quite difficult to identify the symptoms since they are somewhat similar to other health conditions. Some of the common metastatic NSCLC symptoms include the following:

• Sudden weight loss
• Constant feeling of fatigue and weakness
• Chest pain and blood in phlegm and cough
• Shortness of breath and wheezing

Metastatic NSCLC treatments can be started once this cancer is detected and diagnosed. A doctor would suggest the following tests to diagnose metastatic NSCLC:

• Chest X-ray with detailed images of the lungs
• Ct scan with detailed cross-sectional images of the lungs
• Lung needle biopsy through which a doctor can examine a small sample of tissues from the lungs
• Bronchoscopy through which a doctor can have a visualization of the entire respiratory system

Once diagnosed, doctors may suggest the following metastatic NSCLC treatments:

• Radiation therapy: This is one of the commonly implemented metastatic NSCLC treatments. Radiation therapy can be done at any stage of metastatic NSCLC. In the later stages of this cancer, radiation therapy is usually used in combination with chemotherapy to reduce the size of the metastatic tumors before going in for surgery.
• Chemotherapy: This metastatic NSCLC treatment uses drugs to kill the cancerous cells. Chemotherapy stops cancerous cells from growing and dividing further. A specific set of cycles make up a chemotherapy schedule or regimen during which drugs are injected into the bloodstream to kill off the cancer cells.
• Targeted therapy: This form of metastatic NSCLC treatment uses drugs that target particular proteins, genes, or tissues that are responsible for the growth and survival of cancerous cells. Using drugs, targeted therapy destroys cancer cells without damaging healthy tissues. The use of this metastatic NSCLC therapy is precluded by multiple tests that identify the genes, proteins, and tissues affected by the tumor.
• Immunotherapy: This is one of the metastatic NSCLC treatments that work towards strengthening the body’s immune system to fight cancer. By using substances naturally produced by the body or through the use of drugs, this method of metastatic NSCLC treatment improves and restores the body’s defense system to destroy cancer cells.

Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) spreads from other forms of cancer. For instance, if a person has breast cancer or prostatic cancer, the cancerous cells may go into the bloodstream or the lymph system and affect the lungs, causing metastatic NSCLC.

This form of cancer is life threatening and is quite difficult to diagnose in the initial stages. However, once detected, metastatic NSCLC treatments can be started depending on the stage of cancer. Here are the six stages of metastatic NSCLC and the metastatic NSCLC treatment plans that are implemented at each stage:

• Stage 0: At this stage of metastatic NSCLC, the cancerous cells have reached only till the lining layer of airways. At this stage, cancer has not spread to the lung tissues and other areas of the lungs. Surgery is used to remove the affected areas. Other metastatic NSCLC treatments at this stage include photodynamic therapy (PDT), laser therapy, or brachytherapy (internal radiation).
• Stage I: At this stage, the only metastatic NSCLC treatment is undergoing surgery. Using surgery, a small piece or the lobe of the affected lung is removed. If there are chances of cancer coming back, surgery can be followed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy. In case, surgery is difficult, stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) can be used to remove the tumor. Another option of metastatic NSCLC treatment is radiofrequency ablation (RFA), which is used for a tumor that is small in size and is present in the outer part of the affected lung.
• Stage II: At this stage of metastatic NSCLC, surgery such as lobectomy, pneumonectomy or sleeve resection is used to remove the cancerous tissues and in some cases, the entire lung. Chemotherapy or radiation therapy is used to shrink the cancerous cells before surgery. Chemotherapy or radiation therapy is also done after surgery to remove cancer cells that might be left behind.
• Stage IIIA: At this stage, cancer affects the lymph nodes as well. One plan of treatment is to start with chemotherapy followed by radiation therapy. This can be followed by surgery if the patient’s overall health can withstand this invasive treatment. Another treatment plan is t start with surgery followed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
• Stage IIIB: In this stage, cancer spreads to the areas near the lungs and in the neck as well. Surgery is not an option since the extent of cancerous cells is wide. If the patient is in good health, treatment includes a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Otherwise, just radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Participating in clinical trials is recommended at this stage.
• Stage IV: It becomes quite difficult to treat cancer at this stage. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, laser therapy, photodynamic therapy, or targeted therapy can be used to alleviate the symptoms.

With the advent of technology and discoveries in medical science, the world’s mortality rate has declined considerably. However, there are different diseases or ailments, at times the cause of which is unknown, or maybe, the perfect cure for the disease has not been discovered yet.

Cancer is one such disease, that has claimed a lot of lives, and the chances of being completely cured of the same are quite thin. Though there are landmark discoveries that have helped contain the disease if it is diagnosed in the early stages, many times, the symptoms go undetected and a life is lost.
Today 1 in 5 women is detected with cancer, mostly breast cancer. The most common kind of cancer detected in women is Her2 breast cancer. It is of two types- Her2 positive breast cancer and Her2 negative breast cancer.

Her2 positive cancer is a more malicious one compared to the latter one. If the tests reveal Her2 positive, this indicates that the cancer cells in the body have the protein Her2 in large quantities. Her2, Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, is already present in the breast, which is responsible for repairing the breast cells. Diagnosis of Her2 positive breast cancer indicates that the Her2 causes the cancer cells to mutate and multiply faster than they usually would.

Though this is a serious situation, it can be brought under control if the cancer is detected early, and is diagnosed with Her2 positive breast cancer. Here are some of the common treatments to cure Her2 breast cancer in its initial stages.

Chemotherapy– Chemotherapy is the first treatment people opt for after being diagnosed with Her2 positive breast cancer. Chemotherapy acts swiftly in shrinking cancer and is a popular way of ensuring that cancer wouldn’t return. Her2 positive breast cancer is usually treated with chemotherapy drugs such as- anthracyclines and taxanes.

Herceptin- Herceptin is one of the targeted therapies since it works by targeting specific receptors on the surface of the cells. Herceptin latches on to the Her2 protein and blocks the receptor and stops the cells from dividing and growing.

Lapatinib- This targeted therapy acts as a major treatment for preventing the growth of cancer cells. It blocks the signals in the cancer cells that allow it to grow and divide. Once the signals are blocked, the cells eventually die.

Perjeta– It is another targeted therapy that locks on the Her2 protein. It is administered in the form of a drip every three weeks, till cancer comes under control. This treatment is opted for when the breast cancer becomes metastatic.

Amongst the disease that has plagued the Earth, a majority of them have been eradicated. And, this we owe to the discoveries in medical science. However, there are diseases that still haunt us, since no permanent cure has been found for the same. Cancer is one such disease that cannot be completely cured. 3 out of ten individuals might be suffering from cancer, and they succumb to it if it is not detected in the early stages.

Women too suffer from cancer, mostly breast cancer. 1 out 5 women might have cancer, and the signs if ignored can lead to a lot of suffering, and ultimately death. The most common kind of cancer is Her2 breast cancer, which can either be Her2 positive breast cancer, or Her2 negative breast cancer. If diagnosed with Her2 positive breast cancer when a high quantity of Her2 protein causes the cancer cells in the breast to multiply at an abnormal rate. Whereas, Her2 negative breast cancer is caused when breast cells don’t contain Her2 proteins. Her2 proteins play a major role in repairing your cells and keeping them healthy. The absence of which would prove detrimental in helping your cells heal.

The trick in battling Her2 breast cancer lies in detecting the symptoms at an early stage. Here are some of the common symptoms of Her2 negative breast cancer.

Swelling in the breasts
Notice change in the shape of the breasts
There would be an appearance of rashes or some irritation on the skin
Experience pain in the breast or nipples
Discharge from the nipple, not the breast milk
The appearance of prominent redness or thickness of the nipple or the breast skin

Paying attention to the symptoms and undergoing breast cancer tests is considered a better prevention.

Here are some effective treatment methods for the same:

Hormonal therapy- Many times, the Her2 breast cancer is ER Positive. This treatment involves blocking estrogen in the body since it is responsible for the growth of cancer cells.

Chemotherapy– A chemotherapy with drugs such as taxanes and anthracyclines, are widely-recommended for women diagnosed with Her2 negative breast cancer. In addition to these drugs, platinum-based drugs are also known to help women combat cancer.

Radiotherapy– This treatment is to ensure that cancer doesn’t come back. This is mostly performed after the surgery. Radiotherapy makes use of high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells and help in reducing the pain in different areas of your body, which was inflicted by cancer.

Breast cancer is a condition that popularly affects women. It affects 1 in 8 women and the number is rapidly increasing. And although found in more women, men too can be affected by this condition. The breast cancer is one that forms in the cells of the breast. There are several symptoms that are related to this condition. Breast cancer passes through 4 stages and the symptoms will vary. While stage 1 symptoms may be mild, stage 4 breast cancer symptoms include nipple discharge, developing of breast lumps, skin scaling and more.

Stage 4 breast cancer symptoms may be last warning and the cancer is more likely to spread to other parts of the body. There is no answer to what is the exact cause of breast cancer, however, there are several risk factors that may trigger the onset and lead to condition to stage 4 without an individual getting to know. Here are a few factors that are believed to lead to breast cancer:

Body weight – Women tend to put on weight after menopause and this causes an increase in the levels of estrogen in the body. Thus, there is a higher chance of overweight women developing breast cancer. Not just after menopause, but being overweight can trigger the chances of being affected.

Alcohol – Alcohol does more harm to an individual’s body than good. Here is yet another reason why you should watch your alcohol consumption level. Regular consumption of alcohol can play a role in developing breast cancer. According to studies, consuming more than 3 glasses of alcohol in a day can put you at a higher risk of suffering from breast cancer.

Age – Age is yet another factor that is likely to cause breast cancer in women. It is believed that a woman is at a higher risk of suffering from breast cancer. A woman is more likely to be susceptible after crossing the age bar of 50 years.

Occupation – If a woman is in an occupation where in she is exposed to certain carcinogens, there be a strong link to breast cancer. Thus, one should consider the environment in which they work.

Inheritance – Although this may be in a very rare case, a woman’s developing cancer can be linked to genes that are passed through generations. It can increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer and one should go through blood test if they have a strong family history of breast cancer.

Most of the above risk factors are preventable. If you notice the occurrence of breast cancer symptoms, you should visit the doctor immediately.

Every year, millions of women are diagnosed with breast cancer and number seems to be increasing with each year. It also one of the most common type of cancers after lung cancer and life any other disease, can muddle the lifestyle of a woman. So what causes cancer? A woman breast comprises of fat, lobules, tiny glands and tissue that aid in producing breastfeeding milk. Cancer develops when the cells in the body start multiplying uncontrollably. Breast can can be of two types i.e invasive breast cancer and no-invasive breast cancer.

Breast cancer can be categorized into 4 stages. Stage 1 is the initial stage of cancer, which then builds up onto stage 2, stage 3 and the last stage that is stage 4. Stage 4 is when cancer begins to spread all over the other parts of the body. Here are a few stage 4 breast cancer symptoms that are most likely to come into notice

Uneasy breathing – Women start experiencing a shortness in breath for a long duration. Moreover, the chest starts to feel extremely tight and it becomes difficult to hold one’s breath or take a deep breath. Not just one of the Stage 4 Breast Cancer Symptoms, this may be a symptom that indicates the spread of cancer in the lungs.

Change in size of breast – There is a sudden change in the way the breast appears. Either one or both breast may start to have an irregular shape and size. Breast may start looking enlarged and have an abnormal shape.

Fatigue – A symptom of many more disease, fatigue if one of the commonly reported stage 4 breast cancer symptoms. A woman may start feeling fatigue every while, even if it means taking a light walk in the park. It becomes prevalent and everyday life begins to feel like an exhausting task. Not just a symptom, fatigues is also experienced during the time of treatment.

Nipple discharge – Not just one of the stage 4 breast cancer symptoms, nipple discharge can even occur during the first three stages of breast cancer. This is one the major symptoms and one should immediately visit the doctor. The discharge can be of color or even clear. In most cases, the nipple charge will resemble the look of pus but can be bloody too.

Lump formation – This is a very rare symptom as tumors may be too small to be felt or noticed. However, a woman may start feeling the formation of lump around the areas of the breast or on the breast. They can be swelling that might hurt upon pressing.

It is necessary to immediately visit the doctor after the occurrence of any of the above stage 4 breast cancer symptoms. Make an appointment and brief your doctor about all the symptoms that you experience.

A person diagnosed with lung cancer is said to have reached stage IV or metastatic stage when the lung cancer cells breaks away from the tumor and travels to various parts of body through blood and lymph system. It is even possible that the lung cancer has reached the metastatic stage even before it is diagnosed. This is because the symptoms do not develop when the lung cancer is already present in the body. This is the reason why it is common for cancer to metastasize before it is diagnosed.

One important thing to keep in mind is that, even though the cancer may have spread to different locations in the body, it will still be named after the part of the body where it is was originated. For instance, if the lung cancer spreads into brain, it will still be called as metastatic lung cancer.

Lung cancer, when reached metastatic stage usually spreads into adrenal glands, bones, brain, and the liver. Metastatic lung cancer is completely different from recurrent lung cancer. Lung cancer that has reoccurred has to be treated the same way it was treated when it first occurred. Since, metastatic lung cancer has spread to a completely different part of the body, it will be treated differently.

Generally, lung cancer that has spread to the different part of the body will be treated the same way as it is treated as its original place of occurrence. This is because the cancer cells have not changed, they have simply moved to a different part of the body due to metastasis.

Most of the cases of metastatic lung cancer that have spread to the liver are treated using drug therapy.

The metastatic lung cancer that has spread to the brain is usually treated with radiation therapy. The radiation therapy is done majorly in two different ways:
External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) : This therapy delivers high doses of radiation to lung cancer by exposing the body to a beam of high intensity X rays using various machine based technology.

Brachytherapy: Brachytherapy is a type of internal radiation therapy that delivers high doses of radiation from the radioactive implants that are placed closed to or inside the tumor in the body.
Other treatments include chemotherapy using steroids or other medications. Surgery could also be an option but in very specific cases.

If diagnosed with a metastatic lung cancer, consult an oncologist, who would suggest the best option to treat metastatic lung cancer.