Metastatic Pattern of Spread of Small Cell Lung Cancer
Introduction:
Small cell is a high-grade neuroendocrine cancer of the lung. The majority of patients present with metastatic disease.
Prevalence: Uncommon Metastasis Frequency: Common
References:
Acta Oncol. 1999;38(8):1011-5. PMID: 10665754
J Clin Oncol. 1987 Feb;5(2):246-54. PMID: 3027269
Primary Tumor:
| Characteristics | Comments | |
| Lung Parenchyma | Central | the mass is typically central and may invade the mediastinum |
Known Metastatic Locations:
| Site | Frequency | Characteristics | Comments |
| Brain | Common | ||
| Liver | Common | ||
| Bone | Common | Blastic | |
| Bone Marrow | Common | ||
| Local Lymph Nodes | Common | hilar and mediastinal |
|
| Pleura | Common | Effusion | malignant pleural effusion |
| Pericardium | Common | ||
| Adrenal Glands | Common | ||
| Distant Lymph Nodes | Common | retroperitoneal nodes |
|
| Trachea | Uncommon | ||
| Pancreas | Uncommon | ||
| Kidney | Uncommon | ||
| Lung Parenchyma | Rare | Nodule | contralateral lung |
| Esophagus | Rare | ||
| Dura (Meninges) | Rare | ||
| Thyroid | Rare | ||
| Ovary | Very Rare | ||
| Testes | Very Rare | ||
| Spleen | Very Rare |