Types of cancer that have metastasized to the lungs

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Lung metastatic cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Currently, there is no way to prevent lung cancer from spreading, but there are ways to treat it, such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, laser therapy, stenting, or surgery.

1. What is metastatic lung cancer?

As cancer grows, it usually forms in a certain organ or area in the body. This area is called the primary site of the cancer. Unlike other normal cells, cancer cells can break away from their original location and travel to other parts of the body.
Cancer cells can travel through the body through the lymphatic system and the bloodstream. The lymphatic system is made up of blood vessels that carry fluid and support the immune system. When cancer cells move from the original site to other organs, it is called metastasis.
Cancer that has spread to the lungs from other areas is often a life-threatening medical condition. This type of cancer tends to develop when cancer in another area of ​​the body has spread to the lungs. Cancer that develops in any primary site can form metastatic tumors.
The following are primary tumors with a high probability of metastasizing to the lungs, including:
Breast cancer Bladder cancer Colon cancer Prostate cancer Kidney cancer Neuroblastoma Sarcoma Wilms' tumor

2. How does metastatic lung cancer develop?

In order for cancer cells to metastasize, they must undergo certain changes. First, cancer cells need to break away from their original site and find a way to enter the bloodstream and lymphatic system.
Once they have entered the bloodstream, the cancer cells begin to form new tumors in another part of the body. In the case of metastatic lung cancer or secondary lung cancer, the cancer cells will travel to the lung and create a new tumor there.
When cancer cells reach the lungs, they will need to change again to grow in the new location. In addition, they also need to be able to survive attacks from the immune system.

3. Symptoms of lung metastatic cancer

Cancer that has spread to the lungs does not always cause specific symptoms. As symptoms develop, they can become more difficult to identify. This is because the symptoms of metastatic lung cancer can resemble those of other health conditions.
Here are some common symptoms seen in patients with metastatic lung cancer , including:
Coughing up blood Persistent cough Cough with bloody sputum Shortness of breath Chest tightness Wheezing Sudden weight loss Weakness

4. How to diagnose metastatic lung cancer?

The doctor will conduct a physical examination and ask the patient to perform various diagnostic tests if cancer metastasis to the lungs is suspected.
Below are the most commonly used diagnostic tests for cancer that has spread to the lungs:
Computed tomography (CT): Helps create clear and cross-sectional images of the lungs. Chest X-ray: Helps create detailed pictures of the lungs. Lung biopsy: Takes a small tissue sample from the embryo for analysis. Bronchoscopy: Helps to see the structures that make up the patient's respiratory system, including the lungs.

5. How is metastatic lung cancer treated?

The goal of treatment for cancer that has spread to the lungs is to control growth or relieve any symptoms of the disease. There are many different treatments for secondary lung cancer, and each patient's treatment plan will also depend on several factors:
Age. General health. History of illness. Primary cancer type. The number, location, and size of the tumor. Chemotherapy is often used to treat metastatic lung cancer. This drug therapy can help kill cancer cells in the body. In general, chemotherapy is preferred when the cancer is more advanced and has spread to other organs in the body.
For specific cases of secondary lung cancer, surgery may also be performed if the patient has had the primary tumor removed or the cancer has only spread to a limited area of ​​the lung.
Your doctor may recommend some of the following other treatments for cancer that has spread to the lungs:
Radiation therapy : Using high-energy radiation to help shrink tumors and effectively kill cells. Carcinogenic. Laser therapy: Using high-intensity light to destroy tumors as well as cancer cells. Stent placement: Small tubes will be placed into the airways to help clear the airways of patients with secondary lung cancer. Additionally, experimental treatments for metastatic lung cancer are now available. For example, heat probes can be used to help kill cancer cells in the lungs. Meanwhile, chemotherapy drugs are also sometimes applied directly to the affected lung area that contains the metastatic tumor.

6. Outlook for people with metastatic lung cancer

The long-term outlook for people with metastatic lung cancer depends on the location and size of the primary tumor. In addition, it will also be determined based on how far the cancer has spread.
Some cancers that have spread to the lungs are completely treatable with chemotherapy. For primary colon tumors, kidney or bladder metastases to the lungs can also be completely removed by surgery. In most cases, metastatic lung cancer cannot be cured. However, the right treatment options can help prolong life and significantly improve a patient's quality of life.

7.Preventing and dealing with metastatic lung cancer

In fact, it is very difficult for us to prevent lung cancer from spreading. Researchers are currently trying to find preventive treatments, but they have not yet been applied in practice. Overall, the most important step in preventing cancer from spreading to the lungs is to quickly and completely treat the primary cancer.
To cope with secondary lung cancer, it is important to have a strong support network to help them through any stress and anxiety caused by cancer. Patients can join a discussion with a cancer counselor or support group to discuss their concerns with people who have had or have had cancer.
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References: cancer.ca, healthline.com, uclahealth.org, webmd.com