Where does lung cancer spread to?

Lung cancer commonly spreads to several parts of the body as it progresses. The most frequent sites of metastasis include:

Lymph Nodes:

The cancer often spreads first to nearby lymph nodes in the chest, particularly around the lungs and mediastinum.

Liver:

Lung cancer cells can travel through the bloodstream to the liver, which is a common site of distant metastasis.

Brain:

Metastatic lung cancer frequently affects the brain, leading to neurological symptoms such as headaches, seizures, or cognitive changes.

Bones:

The spine, ribs, and pelvis are common bone sites for lung cancer spread, often causing pain or fractures.

Adrenal Glands:

These small glands located above the kidneys are also a common site for lung cancer metastasis.

Opposite Lung:

Lung cancer may spread to the other lung, especially in advanced stages.

Understanding the typical pathways of lung cancer spread helps in diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning. Symptoms of metastasis depend on the organ affected, and imaging or biopsy is often required for confirmation.