Lung Metastases: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Lung Metastases?
An oncologist, a cancer doctor, treats lung metastases. A pulmonologist, a lung doctor, may help with symptoms such as fluid around the lungs, and a thoracic surgeon, a chest surgeon, may remove tumors in some cases. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What are lung metastases?
Lung metastases are cancerous tumors that start somewhere else in the body and spread to the lungs. They are different from lung cancer that starts in the lungs.
The lungs are a common place for cancer to spread. The metastases may be a single spot or multiple areas, and they can appear anywhere in the lung.
Metastatic cancer has the same name as the primary cancer, which is where it started. For example, breast cancer that spreads to the lung is called metastatic breast cancer, not lung cancer.
Symptoms
Symptoms of lung metastases depend on where the cancer is in the lung. Symptoms may include:
- Cough.
- Bloody sputum, which is mucus with blood in it when you cough.
- Chest pain.
- Shortness of breath.
- Weakness.
- Weight loss.
- Poor appetite.
- Fluid around the lungs.
Causes and who gets it
Metastatic tumors in the lungs are cancers that developed at other places in the body. They then spread through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to the lungs.
Nearly any cancer can spread to the lungs. Cancers that most often spread to the lungs include breast, colorectal, head and neck, kidney, testicular, and uterine cancers, and lymphoma.
Sometimes lung metastases are found at the same time as the first cancer. Other times they may not show up until months or even years later.
How doctors diagnose it
Your health care provider will examine you and ask about your medical history and symptoms. Lung metastases can be seen on imaging tests, which make pictures of the body, such as an x-ray, CT scan, MRI, or PET scan.
Sometimes a bronchoscopy, a test that looks inside the airways, is used to take tissue samples. A lung needle biopsy may also be done.
Treatment
Treatment for lung metastases is usually based on the main type of cancer the person has. Treatment may include one or more of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Surgery may be done if there are a small number of lung metastases, usually none in other parts of the body, and the main cancer is under control.
Controlling symptoms is important, especially if treatment for the main cancer is not effective or may take a while to help.
Cancer in the lungs can cause fluid to build up, called a pleural effusion. The fluid can make you feel short of breath. If it causes symptoms, treatment usually includes treating the main cause and draining the fluid.
A cure is unlikely in most cases of cancers that have spread to the lungs. But the outlook depends on the main cancer. In some cases, a person can live more than 5 years with metastatic cancer to the lungs.
Talk to your cancer care team about your treatment plan and follow their instructions.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if you have a history of cancer and you develop a persistent cough.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have severe trouble breathing, chest pain, or you cough up blood.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can review new symptoms, order a chest x-ray, and help coordinate visits with your cancer team.
Common questions
Are lung metastases the same as lung cancer?
No. Lung metastases are cancer that started somewhere else and spread to the lungs.
What cancers spread to the lungs?
Nearly any cancer can spread to the lungs. Breast, colorectal, kidney, and testicular cancers are among those that most often do.
How are lung metastases found?
They may be found because a person is having symptoms, or because the doctor is checking whether the cancer has spread anywhere else in the body.
Can lung metastases be treated?
Yes. Treatment may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation therapy. Surgery may be done if there are a small number of lung metastases and the main cancer is under control.
Can lung metastases cause fluid around the lungs?
Yes. Cancer in the lungs can cause fluid to build up, called a pleural effusion.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Lung Metastases
- American Cancer Society - Lung Metastases
- National Cancer Institute - Metastatic Cancer
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
