Secondary Lung Cancer

Disclaimer:
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Content is sourced from third parties, and we do not guarantee accuracy or accept any liability for its use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical guidance.

What is Secondary Lung Cancer?

Secondary lung cancer, or lung metastases, occurs when cancer from another site spreads to the lungs, often via blood. Common primaries include breast, colorectal, kidney, and melanoma. In 2025, it affects 20-50% of advanced cancers, with multiple nodules common, impairing breathing.

Symptoms

Symptoms include persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, hemoptysis, hoarseness, weight loss, and fatigue. Advanced cases cause pleural effusion or pneumonia-like symptoms. Symptoms may be absent in small lesions.

Causes

Metastases result from primary cells entering circulation and lodging in lung capillaries. Risk increases with vascular primaries. In 2025, molecular homing signals are key.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis uses chest X-ray, CT/PET for nodules, biopsy, and bronchoscopy. In 2025, AI detects 95% of lesions.

Treatment

Treatment includes surgery (for solitary lesions), radiation (SBRT), ablation, chemotherapy, and targeted/immunotherapy. In 2025, ADCs improve response.

Future Outlook

In 2025, survival is 6-12 months. Advances extend to 18 months. By 2030, targeted therapies could achieve 24 months.

Sources

The information for secondary lung cancer is sourced from Cancer Research UK’s “Secondary lung cancer” for understanding; Mayo Clinic’s “Lung metastases – Symptoms and causes” for symptoms; Cleveland Clinic’s “Lung Metastases” for treatment; NCI’s “Metastatic Lung Cancer” for causes; and PMC’s “Management of Lung Metastases” for outlook.