Pulmonary metastases are tumor tissue (metastases) from other tumors that settle in the lungs. They have reached the lungs via the blood or lymphatic system. Only in some cases can lung metastases be surgically removed.
Here you will find further information and selected lung metastasis specialists and centers.
Lung metastases are not the same as lung cancer. They originate from a different tumor and can therefore consist of tissue other than lung cancer. Lung metastases therefore require different treatment.
Usually, metastases are initially present in the lungs without causing additional symptoms or complaints. This is why they are often only discovered by chance - e.g. during an X-ray in a clinic.
Occasionally, however, the metastases also become noticeable through a persistent (bloody) cough or pneumonia.
Doctors usually only discover lung metastases by chance, for example during a chest X-ray as part of a follow-up examination.
Computed tomography (CT) allows lung metastases to be detected much better and earlier.
In addition to these imaging examinations, it is sometimes necessary to take a tissue sample- e.g. via bronchoscopy. This allows doctors to carefully plan treatment and, if necessary, consider surgery.
Lung metastases are often found by chance during a chest X-ray © therads | AdobeStock
Lung metastases can be treated by
take place.
In many patients, chemotherapy or radiotherapy is necessary in addition to surgery.
Treatment planning requires an interdisciplinary team of experts. It is usually made up of
together.
Removing the metastases by surgery in hospital is the most effective way to combat them. Unfortunately, surgical removal of lung metastases is only possible in around a third of people.
Various examinations are carried out prior to the operation. The location and number of metastases plays a major role in deciding whether and how an operation can be performed. Experts in thoracic surgery should be consulted to carry out this operation.
If it is not possible to treat the lung metastases surgically, chemotherapy is usually prescribed. This form of therapy is intended to halt the progression of the disease and offer the patient a better quality of life.
Radiotherapy is usually used to shrink a tumor before surgery or to destroy any remaining tumor tissue afterwards.
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