To which areas do metastases from lung cancer commonly spread?

Metastases from lung cancer primarily spread to the brain and liver due to several factors related to the biology of lung cancer and the vascular routes available for cancer cells. The lungs have a rich blood supply, and cancer cells can easily enter the circulation and disseminate to other organs.

The brain is a common site for metastasis because it receives blood from the systemic circulation, allowing cancer cells to travel through the bloodstream and penetrate the brain tissue. This is particularly relevant for non-small cell lung cancer, where metastases to the central nervous system can lead to neurological symptoms.

The liver is another frequent site of metastasis owing to its role in filtering blood from the gastrointestinal tract and the extensive vascularization it offers. Lung cancer cells can directly invade liver tissues through the blood supply, leading to liver dysfunction and other complications.

In contrast, other options such as skin, muscle, heart, kidneys, stomach, and pancreas are less common sites for lung cancer metastasis. While metastasis can occur in these areas, the brain and liver consistently present a higher incidence, making them the most notable common sites for lung cancer metastases.