Meatastatic cnacer in lungs

[panagraphic]

My brother 2 years after prostate cancer treatment has had metastasis in the lungs. Can it be treated and what is the life expectancy?
Thanks

[brokenheartedwife]

My husband a year ago had a VERY large kidney tumor removed... along with the kidney... at the time we also found the cancer had spread to his lungs and because of the numerous spots it could not be removed.  The spots have continued to grow to double in size and he also now has it on his liver... He has been thru 9 mnths of chemo & several different drugs but the cancer continues to grow.. the doctors have said there is no chance of removing from the lungs or the liver.. Can you tell me "about" what his survival rate could be.. We need to plan for this... and we need to plan on how much longer he will be able to work

Thank you

[HeinrikMD]

Hi,
I am assuming that the prostate cancer was treated with either surgery or radiation.
If this is so, the first question is: is this a metastasis or a new lung cancer?
Is there an elevated PSA at the present time? If it is high this supports prostate metastasis.
Is there any evidence of cancer anywhere else? bones?  In the absence of bone involvement, this is atypical for a metastatic prostate cancer.
In terms of your question:
IF the cancer is limited meaning surgically removeable, and your brother is pretty fit – surgery may afford a cure.  Of course this is not going to be recommended if there is cancer anywhere else.
If we consider cancer in the metastatic prostate cancer, on the average survival is in the order of 2 years.
If we consider lung cancer,the survival would depend on extent of disease (cancer stage). If we assume non-curative disease extent – lung cancers generally have shorter survival.
It may good to discuss these questions with his doctor, then discuss diagnostic options (if there is still a question of what it is) or therapeutic options.