Cancers that can spread from their original locations are called secondary cance

rs. This process, called metastasizing, moves the cancers through the bloodstrea
m, lymphatic system, or by direct extension to a new location. One or many of th
e cancerous cells of the primary cancer (where the disease originated) can break
off and slip into the bloodstream or lymphatic system to reach other organs.
Cancerous cells in the lungs as well can appear there without having originated
there; in children, cancers of the lungs usually manifest through this process.
Cancer that appears in the lungs but did not originate there is called secondary
lung cancer. Even though it affects the lungs, secondary lung cancer is named
according to the type of cancer it originated from, the primary cancer. For exam
ple, breast cancer that spreads to the lungs and becomes secondary lung cancer w
ould still be considered breast cancer.
While nearly every type of cancer has the ability to metastasize and spread to t
he lungs, some do so more commonly than others. Secondary lung cancer is usually
a result of bladder, breast, prostate, or colon cancer. Sarcoma, Wilms tumor an
d neuroblastoma also tend to migrate to the lungs.
Secondary lung cancer, in addition to being a disease in itself, is also usually
an indication that the primary cancer has reached an advanced stage, though thi
s is not always the case. Signs of secondary lung cancer include persistent coug
h, breathlessness, coughing up blood, and chest pain. These symptoms, in additio
n to being similar to those for primary lung cancer, also mimic several less ser
ious diseases. A diagnosis of secondary lung cancer may therefore require x-rays
, CT scans, MRIs, PET scans, or biopsies.
Symptoms of secondary lung cancer can interrupt daily activities for sufferers.
But there are ways to manage and treat the symptoms. Medication can help address
symptoms such as breathlessness, cough and chest pain. Other symptoms must be m
anaged by the patient through awareness. Some patients begin to fear they will c
hoke, due to their increased difficulty with breathing, but should be aware that
this is unlikely. Others may be distressed by coughing up blood, but should kno
w that coughing up a little blood is not unusual to patients with secondary lung
cancer. Only those coughing up large amounts of blood need to seek treatment fo
r this symptom.
Secondary lung cancer can also cause a build up of fluid in the lungs, a conditi
on termed pleural effusion. This fluid may be drained out of the lungs to reliev
e pain and difficulty breathing, though it may build up again over time.
Treatment for secondary lung cancer is similar to that for primary lung cancer,
and includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. However, in secondary
lung cancer in particular, chemotherapy is the preferred treatment option. This
is because secondary lung cancer is an indication that the primary cancer has s
pread into the bloodstream. In such cases, removing visible tumors through surge
ry is not effective, as other cancerous cells can be present in the body without
being visible. Chemotherapy can target even those cells CT scans cannot see, ma
king it the most common treatment choice.
However, a cure is unlikely and the five-year survival rate for those diagnosed
with secondary lung cancer is not promising. The cancer can sometimes be cured v
ia surgery, but this outcome is rare.
Adam Bradley is a book publisher. While doing research on asbestos; http://asbes
toscancerresources.com/secondary-lung-cancers/: he was shocked by the amount of
poor information. His research team compiled a directory of agencies, medical ce
nters and groups that provide real help to the victims and families. He offers a
free 15 part Mini-Course to help as many as possible: http://asbestoscancerreso
urces.com