Understanding a metastatic diagnosis
If your doctor suspects your cancer has progressed, there are a number of tests he or she might do. These may include:
- Imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, or PET scans
- Endobronchial or endoscopic esophageal ultrasound
- Mediastinoscopy and mediastinotomy
- Thoracoscopy
If your lung cancer has metastasized, it can be a shock. You may feel overwhelmed, scared, or even angry. Everyone reacts differently, but it’s important to take the time you need to absorb this information. Reach out to loved ones, family, friends, and even others with your condition for support throughout this time.
Remember, you are not alone
More than 430,000
people alive today in the US have been diagnosed with lung cancer at some point
~234,030
new cases of lung cancer were estimated in 2018
~80% to 85%
of lung cancers are non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Of those newly diagnosed with NSCLC, 40% are metastatic
Although metastatic cancer is a more severe stage, there are treatments available to help—so that you can keep fighting for what matters most to you.