Late stage lung cancer is also known as Stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This is the most advanced form of lung cancer. In Stage IV, the cancer has metastasized (spread) beyond the lungs and into other areas of the body like the lymph nodes, brain, or other organs.
What is the end stage of lung cancer?
Stage 4 lung cancer means that your cancer has spread from your lung to other parts of your body. Once the cancer spreads it's hard to cure. Chemotherapy and other treatments can slow your disease and help you live longer, but they probably won't cure you.
What are the last stages of lung cancer before death?
For non–small cell lung cancer there are 5 stages – stage 0 followed by stages 1 to 4. Often the stages 1 to 4 are written as the Roman numerals I, II, III and IV. Generally, the higher the stage number, the more the cancer has spread. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about staging.