Hi.
Just have some points to clarify. What was the initial stage of the lung cancer? What is the histologic type
of lung cancer (non-small cell lung cancer versus small cell lung cancer)? After partial removal of the lung
cancer diagnosed 8 months ago, did she undergo further treatment?
At present, she has stage 4 lung cancer with metastasis to the brain. The goal of treatment in any stage 4
cancer is palliation, with symptom relief and improvement in the quality of life. Since she also has a
recurrence in the lung (after partial removal 8 months ago), chemotherapy is given to control the disease.
Radiotherapy to the lung can also be given concurrently with chemotherapy or sequentially after chemotherapy.
After removal of the frontal lobe metastasis, radiotherapy is instituted to decrease the risk of recurrence in
the nearby areas or other areas of the brain, and thus “combat invasion”.
The frontal lobe is the area of the brain that coordinates human cognition and comportment. After frontal
lobe surgery, there may be changes in the patient’s behavior, emotion, and motivation. However, there are
times when even with large frontal lobe lesion, basic cognitive functions remain intact.
Regards