Metastatic cancer to the lung: MedlinePlus Mobile Medical Encyclopedia

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Causes
Metastatic tumors in the lungs are cancers that developed at other places in the body (or other parts of the lungs) and spread through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to the lungs. It is different than lung cancer that starts in the lungs.

Common tumors that spread to the lungs include:

However, almost any cancer has the ability to spread to the lungs.

Symptoms

Bloody sputum
Chest pain
Cough
Shortness of breath
Weakness
Weight loss

Note: In most cases, there are no lung-related symptoms when the tumors are found.

Treatment
Chemotherapy is usually used to treat metastatic cancer to the lung. Surgery isn't always done, because usually the cancer is in other parts of the body not seen by imaging tests. Surgery to remove the tumors seen on an x-ray is not likely to be helpful. However, surgery may be an option when:

The first (primary) tumor has been removed
The cancer has spread to only limited areas of the lung
The lung tumors can be completely removed with surgery

However, the main tumor must be curable, and the patient must be strong enough to go through the surgery and recovery.

Other, less common treatments include:

Radiation therapy
The placement of stents inside the airways
Laser therapy

There are other experimental treatments. One of these treatments uses local heat probes to destroy the area. Another places chemotherapy medicines directly into the artery that supplies blood to the part of the lung containing the tumor.

Support Groups
You can ease the stress of illness by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. For this condition, see cancer support group.

Outlook (Prognosis)
A cure is unlikely in most cases. It is rare for someone to live more than 5 years with metastatic cancer to the lungs. However, the outlook depends on the specific type of primary cancer.

You and your family may want to start thinking about end-of-life planning, such as:

When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if you have a history of cancer and you develop:

Coughing up blood
Persistent cough
Shortness of breath
Unexplained weight loss

Prevention
Not all cancers can be prevented. However, many can be prevented by:

Eating a healthy diet
Exercising regularly
Limiting alcohol consumption
Not smoking

Alternative Names
Lung metastases

References
Rusch VW. Lung metastases. In: Abeloff MD, Armitage JO, Niederhuber JE, Kastan MB, McKenna WG. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology . 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2008:chap 58.

Ettinger DS. Lung cancer and other pulmonary neoplasms. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine . 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 197.

Update Date: 6/5/2012
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc.