What should you know about metastatic lung cancer?

Metastatic disease may involve lymph nodes or organs outside the chest. The diagnosis is built from imaging, examination and tissue testing when possible. The lung cancer subtype and molecular features can affect which medicines are suitable.

Symptoms depend on the areas involved. Cough, breathlessness, chest discomfort or a hoarse voice can have many causes, so a symptom does not by itself establish metastatic lung cancer. Brain metastases may cause neurological changes and need prompt assessment.

Your team may recommend genomic tumour profiling to look for changes that can guide targeted treatment. Depending on the cancer features and sites involved, options can include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery in selected circumstances, and palliative care alongside cancer treatment.

Palliative care can help with pain, breathlessness, fatigue, sleep, appetite and emotional strain at any stage. Ask how treatment will affect daily activities, how response will be measured, and what support is available for family members.

Get emergency help for severe breathlessness, blue lips, heavy bleeding, sudden weakness, a seizure, new confusion or severe chest pain. Contact your cancer team promptly for worsening cough, new hoarseness, fever during treatment, coughing blood or pain that is not controlled.

Where has the cancer spread? What did the biopsy show about subtype and molecular features? Would genomic tumour profiling alter treatment? What is the purpose of each option? Could radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery or palliative care help with my priorities?