Cancer is considered metastatic when it spreads from its original location to other parts of the body. In the case of metastatic lung cancer, cancer begins in the lungs and then extends to distant organs and tissues. This condition is also known as advanced or end-stage lung cancer, as it is typically more severe and harder to manage.

Lung cancer metastasis does not usually occur in the early stages of the disease. However, the speed at which the cancer spreads can vary based on the type. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC), a less common but more aggressive form, tends to spread more quickly than non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which accounts for the majority of cases.

According to global health organizations, lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. When it becomes metastatic, treatment becomes more complex. Even so, therapies such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted treatments can help relieve symptoms, improve quality of life, and extend survival.

Metastatic lung cancer symptoms

Symptoms of lung cancer usually appear as the disease progresses. When lung cancer becomes metastatic, it can cause:

  • Persistent cough

  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing

  • Hoarseness

  • Recurrent chest infections like bronchitis or pneumonia

  • Coughing up blood

  • Intense chest pain

  • Loss of appetite

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Muscle weakness

  • Fatigue

additional symptoms based on where the cancer spreads:

  • bones: Pain in the joints or bones and increased risk of fractures

  • brain: Headaches, dizziness, seizures, and mental confusion

  • liver: Nausea, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), and abdominal swelling

  • lymph nodes: Swelling in the armpits or other areas with lymph nodes

Causes

Lung cancer develops when cells in the lungs begin to grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor. The exact cause of this abnormal growth is not always known, but smoking is the most significant risk factor. Other contributors include secondhand smoke, exposure to radon, arsenic, asbestos, and a family history of lung cancer.

Cancer becomes metastatic when cancer cells move beyond the lungs. This can happen in several ways:

  • through nearby tissues

  • by traveling in the bloodstream to other body parts

  • through the lymphatic system

The risk of metastasis increases as cancer progresses or when it goes untreated. While each type of cancer spreads differently, lung cancer commonly metastasizes to the brain, liver, bones, and lymph nodes.

Diagnosis

If you are experiencing worsening symptoms or already have a lung cancer diagnosis, it is essential to seek medical evaluation. Several tests are used to detect whether cancer has spread:

  • imaging tests: X-rays, CT scans, PET scans, or MRI scans to visualize tumors

  • blood tests: Assess your overall health and potential spread to the bloodstream or bone marrow

  • bone scans: Detect whether cancer has reached the bones

  • bronchoscopy: A small camera is inserted into the lungs to evaluate the tumor

  • lumbar puncture: A sample of spinal fluid is tested for signs of brain metastasis

  • lung biopsy: A tissue sample is removed from the chest or lymph nodes to confirm cancer cells

Metastatic lung cancer treatment

If you're diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer, treatment focuses on slowing disease progression and managing symptoms. Your healthcare team will consider your age, tumor size, spread of the disease, and general health when creating a treatment plan.

common treatment options include:

  • chemotherapy: Destroys cancer cells or slows their growth

  • immunotherapy: Stimulates your immune system to target cancer

  • targeted therapy: Attacks specific mutations or proteins in cancer cells

  • radiation therapy: Shrinks tumors or eases symptoms in specific areas

  • surgery: May be used to remove tumors, though it's rarely recommended for widespread cancer

In cases where the disease has spread extensively, treatment may not be curative. However, your medical team will still work with you to slow its progression and maintain the best possible quality of life.

Complications

When lung cancer spreads to other parts of the body, various complications can occur, including:

  • Build-up of fluid in the lungs

  • Difficulty or pain when swallowing

  • Increased risk of infections

  • Blood clots

  • Compression of the spinal cord

  • Weakness in limbs or difficulty walking

  • Loss of bladder or bowel control

In addition, the treatments themselves may bring side effects such as fatigue, nausea, hair loss, weight loss, pain, and emotional strain.

Living with cancer

Living with metastatic lung cancer presents both physical and emotional challenges. Alongside the medical aspects, feelings of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty are common.

Support is available, and you're not alone on this journey. Your healthcare team is a valuable source of information and care, but emotional support from family, friends, or a mental health professional can also make a big difference. Joining a support group can offer encouragement and a sense of community.

Remember, your diagnosis is only a part of your life—not the whole story. Embrace each day, stay connected to loved ones, and find joy in the moments that matter.