Stage 4 cancer is also referred to as metastatic cancer because it has spread (metastasized) to distant areas of the body from where it started. Stage 4 cancer is the most advanced stage of cancer, and a cure is usually not possible. The goal of stage 4 cancer treatment is often to focus on quality of life and relieving symptoms and pain.

Stage IV: This is metastatic cancer. That means cancer has spread from the primary tumor to other areas in your body. The TNM classification is T1-T4, N1-N3 and M1.