
The stage 4 brain cancer survival rate is very low. Without medication or treatment it can be as less as 2-3 months in some cases of Glioblastoma multiforme. This article discusses the survival rate of this deadly stage of brain cancer.
The survival rate of stage 4 brain cancer is very less because at this stage, the cancer has spread to other areas of the body. Cells are the primary source of life, and in humans, the cell growth is controlled. When old cells die, new cells replace them. The process of cells dying and new ones replacing them is a common occurrence, and it happens naturally.
In some cases, there is unnatural growth of cells, meaning new cells are formed even when the old ones are functioning. This unwanted uncontrolled growth of cells is known as a tumor. There are two types of tumors: benign tumors and malignant tumors. The former do not pose much of a threat and can be treated easily, whereas the latter are dangerous and can spread to other areas of the body causing great damage.
Stages of Brain Cancer
Modern medicine has categorized cancer into different stages, and this helps create treatment methods for each stage. Like most diseases, early detection is the key to effective treatment of cancer. However, if the cancer is detected at a later stage, the survival rates drop.
Stage I
In this early stage, with effective surgery, the cancer can be cured, and the patients can live a full life. In stage I cancer, the cell growth is very minimum, and the treatment for full recovery is possible.
Stage II
In this stage, the cancerous cell growth is still at a slow rate and the treatment is possible. Surgery and beam radiation is used to cure patients of any cancerous growth.
Stage III
This is still a treatable stage, but clear evidence of abnormal cell growth can be seen if the size of the tumor is large. Chemotherapy will be used prior to surgery.
Stage IV
In this stage, the cancer has metastasized to other areas of the body, and treatment becomes difficult. The survival rate dips, with only 20 percent surviving up to 5 years.
Prognosis
Diagnosis is the key to cancer treatment. Doctors will use CT scans, biopsies, etc., to get information about the cancer and start an effective treatment plan. Without treatment, the survival rate of stage 4 brain cancer is 2-3 months, where the patients die due to brain edema.
Glioblastoma multiforme
This is one of the most common forms of malignant brain tumors. It is also the deadliest of all tumors. The stage 4 cancer life expectancy is around 12-18 months with chemotherapy and radiation. Doctors will also use surgery to remove most of the tumor. After surgery, radiotherapy will be used.
Oligodendroglioma
This is another form of slow progressing malignant tumor. The survival rate for this type of tumor can be as high as 16-18 years. Chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy are some of the treatment methods that an oncologist will use. Prognosis for this kind of tumor is also less as this is an incurable form of malignant tumor.
The survival rate for people over the age of 60 is low with around 33 percent having a life expectancy of 1-2 years. Modern medicine has taken some big strides in treating fatal diseases but is yet to come up with a cure for cancer. Although there are some vaccines for liver cancer and cervical cancer, there is no vaccine for brain cancer.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.