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Last Updated on June 2, 2023 by Aditi Gangal
In Stage II lung cancer, the initial spread occurs in the lymph nodes present in and near the lungs. From there, cancer cells can multiply and spread through the lymphatic system to other parts of the body, including the bones, liver, brain, and adrenal glands. As cancer spreads throughout the body, it may cause some complications specific to lung cancer. Understanding the metastatic pattern of lung cancer helps guide treatment decisions and overall management of the disease. In this article, we will discuss how lung cancer spreads to lymph nodes and the other body parts it can affect.
What happens when lung cancer spreads to the lymph nodes?
Lung cancer cells have the potential to spread to the nearby lymph nodes. While most cancer cells are eliminated within the lymph nodes, some settle there and begin to multiply. These cells can then spread further through the lymphatic system, leading to the progression of the disease.
The rate of cancer cell multiplication plays a significant role in determining the speed of its spreading. As the disease advances to later stages, such as stage IV, lung cancer can spread beyond the lymph nodes to other parts of the body.
In general, most cancer cells get killed in the lymph nodes. However, few settle there and begin to multiply and spread through the lymphatic system. By stage IV, cancer cells can quickly multiply and spread into the bones, liver, brain and adrenal glands. Less commonly, the lung cancer may reach to the stomach, pancreas, skin, breast, intestines, eye and kidneys.
Which parts of the body can lung cancer spread to?
In advanced stages, lung cancer can metastasize to various parts of the body. Apart from the lymph nodes, the cancer cells can rapidly multiply and spread to the bones, liver, brain, and adrenal glands. Although less common, lung cancer can also spread to other organs such as the stomach, pancreas, skin, breast, intestines, eye, and kidneys. The exact pattern of metastasis can vary depending on individual factors and the specific characteristics of the cancer. It is crucial to monitor its spread beyond the lymph nodes to determine treatments and prognosis.
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