Lung Metastasis Surgery

What is Lung Metastasis?

The term ‘metastasis’ is defined as when a tumor that occurs in any part of the body spreads to another organ of the body.  The lungs are the most common organ in the body to receive metastases. There may be a single metastasis to the lung or multiple metastases or widespread metastasis to both lungs. Metastasis gives the appearance of a mass in the lung. Depending on the organ and cell type of the metastasis, it may have different radiologic shapes (smooth rounded edges or irregular edges, single or multiple, etc.). If the patient has a known cancer and a new mass appears in the lung, it is probably a metastasis. But even in such case, the possibility of the primary lung cancer cannot be ruled out.  Necessary interventions and examinations should be performed for this distinction. Scientific studies have shown that surgical removal of lung metastases significantly prolongs the patient’s life expectancy when the following criteria are met.

According to a study conducted in our country, it has been shown that patients with metastases to the lung can have a significantly longer life expectancy and even complete recovery after surgery.

https://thoracrespract.org/content/files/sayilar/99/buyuk/pdf_Toraksder_211.pdf

In which cases can lung metastasis surgery be performed?

•    The original tumor should have been surgically removed or controlled with other treatments,

•    No other metastases should be found in any other organ in the body other than the lung,

•    All metastases in the lung(s) could be surgically removed, meaning the metastases should not invade vital organs that cannot be removed,

•    The patient’s respiratory capacity and performance should be sufficient for this surgery.

If any one of these criteria cannot be met, lung metastasis surgery is not appropriate.

 

Which surgical methods are used in lung metastasis surgery?

Surgery for metastasis in the lung can be performed with open or closed methods. The appropriability of the method depends on the number and location of metastases in the patient. If there is a single or limited number of metastatic masses and it is radiologically confirmed that there are no other nodules in the lungs, metastasis surgery can be performed with the closed method. However, if there are many metastases and they are in the inner parts of the lung, open surgery would be more appropriate. With metastasis surgery, only the metastatic mass is removed together with a small amount of surrounding intact lung tissue. All lung metastases should be removed and the surgical margins should be clean, while removing as little lung tissue as possible.

Are additional treatments needed after lung metastasis surgery?

After lung metastasis surgery, additional treatments may be necessary depending on the type of primary tumor. Medical Oncology specialists play the major role on this decision.

Can a patient have more than one lung metastasis surgery?

People who have had lung metastasis surgery may develop lung metastasis again during follow-up. If they meet the initial criteria, they can undergo metastasis surgery again. We have patients who have had metastasis surgery several times and then cured by  this way.