Lung metastasis
Lungs are the primary sites for most cancer metastasis. Many cancers can spread to this organ, such as:
This is a partial list and almost any cancer can spread to the lungs. Symptoms associated with this condition vary, depending on the extent of lung involvement. Most patients are diagnosed with lung metastasis on routine work up of the cancer, when they have no symptoms at all. Others present with an advanced disease, where the case symptoms are:
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Pain in the chest
Regular x-ray, CT scan or MRI of the chest can establish the diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is established, treatment should be initiated promptly.
Treatment
- Almost all patients are treated with chemotherapy.
- Radiation therapy may be used in selected patients, when tumor causes bleeding or obstruction of the airways.
- Surgery in selected patients to remove the tumor from the lungs -- This is indicated when the primary site of the disease is under control.
Response to treatment depends on the patient's overall condition and the type and extent of the underlying cancer.
