Lung cancer is often detected in later stages, which limits treatment options. According to the Hospice of America, when treatments fail and lung cancer has spread to other parts of the body, end-of-life care become important. The end stages of lung cancer is also termed the dying process. During this stage, the body experiences numerous body changes due to multiple organ failure such as breathing problems, appetite changes, circulation changes, restlessness and change in consciousness.
Appetite Changes
Most patients experience appetite changes in the last stages of lung cancer. Symptoms including having appetite loss or becoming full with very little food. Metabolism changes due to cancer affect the lung cancer's appetite, reports the Core Curriculum of Oncology. At the end of life, body organs fail as nutritional needs fail to be met. Dehydration occurs as a part of organ failure, and it commonly occurs during the end stages of lung cancer.
Breathing Changes
Breathing changes may occur toward the later stages of lung cancer. Shortness of breath often occurs in lung cancer patients, according to the National Cancer Institute. Breathing appears to become shallow and rapid.Lung cancer patients often experience apnea or short interruptions in breathing. Common symptoms of wet and noisy breathing are often referred to as "death rattles."
Restlessness
Lung cancer patients sometimes experience restlessness near the end of life. Symptoms include picking at clothes or bedding, attempting to get out of bed, itching, confusion or scratching the head or other body parts. Hallucinations may also occur in the last stages of cancer, according to the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Many cancer patients report seeing loved ones or relatives who have died before them.
Circulation Changes
Toward the end stages of cancer, the human body reserves blood supply for vital organs, notes the National Cancer Institute. As a result, lung cancer patients often have skin color changes in the final stages. Skin on the legs, hands and other areas becomes cool. Nails become blue or dark purple. Mottling, spotting due to the lack of oxygenated blood supply, may occur to occur to hands and feet.
Change in Consciousness
According to the Hospice Foundation of America, patients may become withdrawn and less active in the last stages of cancer. Lung cancer patients sleep most of the time. In addition, patients may appear to be in a coma-like state or unresponsive. Patients with these symptoms are frequently monitored in the home or hospital in case of emergency.
References
- American Society of Clinical Oncology: Lung Cancer
- National Cancer Institute: Final Days of Life
- Hospice Foundation of America: The Dying Process
- "Core Cirriculum for Oncology Nursing;" Itano, J. Ph.D, Taoka, K. MSN; 2005
