When lung cancer reaches stage 4, it means that the cancer has become metastatic and spread from the lungs to other parts of the body. This is the final stage of lung cancer, and it is mostly incurable at this stage. Also, at this stage, the individual may undergo several physical and emotional changes. Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms of stage 4 lung cancer and treatments to manage them. Symptoms Some of the common symptoms that manifest during the final stage of lung cancer are listed below. Pain Extreme weakness and fatigue Persistent coughing Loss of appetite Muscle loss Fluid buildup around the lungs, which may trigger shortness of breath Restlessness A rattle in the chest when breathing Blood in spit or coughing Nausea Hoarse voice Wheezing Frequent respiratory infections (like bronchitis) Confusion Headaches Seizures that may occur if the cancer has spread to the brain Trouble focusing While symptoms may vary between individuals, these are some common physical symptoms noticed at this stage. Diagnosis To determine if the lung cancer has reached the fourth or final stage, a healthcare professional may suggest a few tests. These tests help them determine how much the cancer has spread and to what parts of the body.

In early-stage or stage 1 lung cancer, the tumor is quite small and has not spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body. Most stage 1 lung cancers are non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). As per the American Cancer Society, NSCLC accounts for 80–85% of all lung cancer cases. As cancer is highly manageable in the early stages, here is what one should know to seek timely care: Signs Here, the tumor is typically quite small and present only inside the lungs. As a result, there are barely any signs of the condition. But in rare cases, when symptoms do develop, they usually include the following: – Persistent cough – Blood in phlegm or spit – Shortness of breath – Recurrent pneumonia – Bronchitis – Frequent lung infections Sometimes, lung cancer can also trigger pain, which usually develops in the chest. However, as the tumor is quite tiny, it does not result in high-intensity pain or other symptoms commonly observed in advanced stages of lung cancer, such as fatigue or loss of appetite. So, when there is no known risk of lung cancer, one may tend to miss the subtle signs associated with stage 1. That’s why keeping an eye out for these signs and consulting a doctor (and getting a second opinion) is crucial upon noticing any such changes.