Late-stage cancer

Late-stage cancer is a term often used to describe cancer that has advanced or metastasized to other parts of the body. This stage of cancer is characterized by the spread of the disease beyond the original site and into other organs and tissues.

Overview

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. There are over 100 types of cancer, including breast cancer, skin cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, and lymphoma. Symptoms vary depending on the type. Cancer treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation, and/or surgery.

Stages of Cancer

The stages of cancer describe how much cancer is in the body and where it is located. Doctors use this information to plan treatment and to help predict a person's outlook. There are different ways of staging cancer, but most range from stage I (1), which is small and only in one area, to stage IV (4), which is also called late-stage or metastatic cancer.

Late-stage Cancer

Late-stage cancer, also known as advanced cancer or metastatic cancer, is cancer that has spread from the place where it first started to another place in the body. A tumor formed by cells that have spread is called a “metastatic tumor” or a “metastasis.” The process by which cancer cells spread to other parts of the body is also called metastasis.

Treatment

Treatment options for late-stage cancer depend on where the cancer started and how much it has spread. Generally, treatments include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and surgery. In some cases, palliative care is also an important aspect of managing late-stage cancer.

Prognosis

The prognosis for late-stage cancer varies greatly and depends on many factors, including the type and location of the cancer, the patient's overall health, and how well the cancer responds to treatment.

See Also

• Cancer
• Metastasis
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Palliative care

Late-stage cancer Resources
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