Wife was diagnosed 3 months ago with stage4 nsclc but recent tissue sample from pancreas has shown adenocarcinoma. Has she got Lung Cancer which has spread to the Pancreas or the other way round and what would be appropriate treatment if any
Wife was diagnosed 3 months ago with stage4 nsclc but recent tissue sample from pancreas has shown adenocarcinoma. Has she got Lung Cancer which has spread to the Pancreas or the other way round and what would be appropriate treatment if any
Hello Gramps,
Thanks for getting in touch with us during what sounds like a difficult time for you both. I’m Linda, one of the nurses from our support line. I hope you are finding the lung cancer forum useful.
Unfortunately, it’s difficult for us to clarify this for you but it’s rare for a lung cancer to spread to the pancreas, however it’s possible the other way round.
Adenocarcinoma of the lung is the most common type of lung cancer, they start in the mucus making gland cells in the lining of the airways.
Pancreatic cancer can also be an adenocarcinoma, the most common being ductal adenocarcinomas, they start in the cells lining the ducts of the pancreas.
I would encourage you both to talk with the consultant, they are best placed to clarify your questions.
It’s common for stage 4 cancers to be treated with chemotherapy but again I would encourage you to talk this through with the consultant. Normally they would arrange for your wife to see an oncologist if this has not already been arranged.
I hope this helps.
Take care and best wishes,
Linda J. (Cancer Information Nurse Specialist)
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email or use webchat.
Ref: LJ/FP
