Common lung cancer metastasis sites

Metastasis occurs when cancer cells travel from the original lung tumour and grow elsewhere. Doctors may assess the brain, bones, liver, adrenal glands, lymph nodes, and the other lung using examinations and imaging chosen for your situation. A symptom does not prove spread, and some metastases cause no symptoms at first.

Possible signs depend on the area involved. Bone disease may cause persistent focal pain or weakness; brain involvement may cause headache, seizures, weakness, speech change, or confusion; liver or adrenal involvement may have few early symptoms. A hoarse voice can have several causes. Staging results help the team select treatment aimed at the cancer and at symptoms.

Keep a record of new pain, headaches, balance changes, weakness, appetite changes, or altered bowel and bladder habits. Ask which scans are needed and whether a tissue sample or genomic tumour profiling could change the plan. Treatment may include systemic medicines, radiotherapy, surgery in selected situations, and supportive care. The aim is to match care to the sites involved and your priorities.

Seek urgent help for a first seizure, sudden weakness or trouble speaking, severe new headache, loss of bladder control with leg weakness, inability to walk, severe breathlessness, or coughing up significant blood. Report persistent new bone pain, confusion, or rapidly worsening symptoms to your oncology team without waiting for a routine review.

Which body areas have been assessed? What did the staging scans show? Are any symptoms likely to come from spread or from another cause? Which treatment can address each site? What symptoms should trigger an urgent call?