Metastatic Lung Cancer: What Are the Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options?

Understanding Metastatic Lung Cancer

Lung cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the lungs multiply uncontrollably, forming a tumor. As the disease progresses, these cancerous cells can break away from the original tumor and spread to other areas of the body—a process known as metastasis. Once this happens, the condition is referred to as metastatic lung cancer, or stage 4 lung cancer.

While smoking is the primary cause of lung cancer, non-smokers can also develop the disease due to factors like secondhand smoke, air pollution, or genetic mutations. Understanding how lung cancer spreads and where it tends to travel in the body is key to managing symptoms and planning treatment.

How Does Lung Cancer Spread?

Metastatic lung cancer cells travel in two main ways:

• Through the lymphatic system: Cancer cells enter lymph nodes and spread to distant organs.
• Via the bloodstream: Cancer cells break away from the primary tumor and travel to other parts of the body.

Once they reach a new area, these cells can form secondary tumors and interfere with the normal function of healthy tissue.

Common Sites of Lung Cancer Metastasis & Symptoms

Metastatic lung cancer can affect nearly any part of the body, but certain areas are more common. Here are the most frequent sites and associated symptoms:

1. Brain

• Headaches
• Dizziness or confusion
• Nausea
• Seizures
• Weakness in limbs

Brain metastases are seen in 20–35% of patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

2. Bones

• Localized bone pain
• Increased risk of fractures
• Swelling in affected areas

Bone metastases affect about 30–40% of patients with advanced lung cancer.

3. Adrenal Glands

• Often asymptomatic in early stages
• May cause back or abdominal pain
• Adrenal insufficiency symptoms like fatigue or nausea

4. Liver

• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal discomfort
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
• Nausea after eating

5. Lymph Nodes

• Swelling in the neck, underarms, or groin
• Sometimes no noticeable symptoms

It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions. Diagnostic tests are needed to confirm metastatic lung cancer.

How Metastatic Lung Cancer Is Diagnosed

Doctors use several imaging and lab tests to confirm whether lung cancer has spread:

• CT Scans & MRI – Provide detailed imaging of soft tissue and detect tumor spread.
• PET Scan – Highlights active cancer cells throughout the body.
• Bone Scan – Detects cancer that has spread to bones.
• Blood Tests – Evaluate liver and kidney function, as well as oxygen levels.
• Biopsy – In some cases, a tissue sample is taken from a suspected metastatic tumor for confirmation.

Treatment Options for Metastatic Lung Cancer

While metastatic lung cancer is not usually curable, it is treatable. The goal is to slow progression, manage symptoms, and improve quality of life. Treatment is tailored based on the location of metastasis, cancer type, and patient health.

Common treatment options include:

• Chemotherapy – Destroys fast-growing cancer cells throughout the body.
• Targeted Therapy – Blocks specific mutations or proteins that fuel cancer growth.
• Immunotherapy – Boosts the immune system’s ability to fight cancer.
• Radiation Therapy – Targets specific metastatic tumors for symptom relief.
• Laser Therapy or Stent Placement – May be used if a tumor is obstructing an airway.

Can You Prevent Metastatic Lung Cancer?

Prevention begins with reducing your risk of lung cancer itself. The best way to do this is to:

• Quit smoking or avoid starting
• Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke and air pollutants
• Stay current with lung cancer screenings if you are high-risk
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle with proper diet, exercise, and medical checkups

Early detection increases the chances of treating lung cancer before it spreads.

Get Help from Expert Oncologists in the Bay Area

At BASS Medical Group, we specialize in diagnosing and treating metastatic lung cancer with the most advanced tools and personalized treatment plans. Our team of board-certified oncologists is committed to helping you or your loved one navigate every stage of care.

Request a consultation today with our oncology team or schedule an appointment online.