When cancer cells from another organ spread to the lungs, they are said to have metastasized to the lung.

Alternative Names

Lung metastases

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Metastatic tumors in the lungs are malignancies (cancers) that developed at other sites and spread via the blood stream to the lungs. Common tumors that metastasize to the lungs include breast cancer , colon cancer , prostate cancer , sarcoma, bladder cancer , neuroblastoma , and Wilm's tumor . However, almost any cancer has the capacity to spread to the lungs.

Signs and tests

Treatment

In most cases, metastatic cancer to the lung is a sign that the cancer has spread into the bloodstream. Usually cancer will be present even in places not seen by CT scans. In these circumstances, removing the visible tumors by surgery is usually not beneficial. Chemotherapy is usually the treatment of choice. Cure is unlikely in most cases. However, patients with testicular cancer or lymphoma have a higher likelihood of long-term survival than those with most other cancers. In some circumstances in which the primary tumor has been removed and cancer has spread to only limited areas of the lung, the lung metastases can be removed surgically with the goal of cure. This is more likely to happen with certain types of primary cancers. Radiation therapy, the placement of stents inside the airways, or laser therapy are sometimes used but are less common than surgery or chemotherapy.

Support groups

The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. For this condition, see cancer - support group .

Expectations (prognosis)

Living more than five years with metastatic cancer to the lungs is uncommon. In some circumstances, patients with certain types of cancer (sarcoma, renal cell carcinoma, bladder cancer, colon cancer, or melanoma) that has only spread a limited amount to the lung can be cured with surgery. Some types of cancer, particularly lymphoma or testicular cancer, that have spread to the lung can be cured with chemotherapy. However, this is the exception rather than the rule. In general, lung metastases are a sign of widespread cancer with a poor survival rate.

Complications

Calling your health care provider

Patients with a history of cancer who develop persistent cough , bloody sputum, or shortness of breath should contact their healthcare provider.

Prevention

Early detection and treatment of primary cancers may prevent metastatic lung cancer in some individuals.