obsolete lung carcinoma metastatic to the liver

Metastatic Lung Carcinoma to the Liver: A Rare and Concerning Finding

Lung cancer metastasis to the liver is a rare but serious condition, indicating a worse prognosis for patients. According to various studies [1][3][7], almost 50% of all lung cancers have distal metastases at the time of diagnosis, with the most frequent metastasis sites being the brain, bones, and adrenal glands.

Symptoms and Characteristics

The symptoms of liver metastases from lung cancer can be non-specific and may include worsening cough, chest pain, hemoptysis, malaise, weight loss, dyspnea, and hoarseness [5]. The liver itself may not show any obvious signs of disease, but imaging studies such as CT scans or MRI can reveal the presence of metastases.

Treatment Paradigm

The treatment paradigm for lung cancer metastasis to the liver is evolving, with newer systemic treatments such as targeted therapies and immunotherapies showing promise in controlling cancers [11]. Local therapies, including liver-metastasis-specific treatments, may also be used in conjunction with systemic therapy.

Prognosis and Survival Rates

Unfortunately, the prognosis for patients with lung cancer metastasis to the liver is generally poor. According to the American Cancer Society, survival rates are 7 percent for non-small cell lung cancer and 3 percent for small cell lung cancer that have spread to other organs [15].

References:

[1] by N Shijubou · 2021 · Cited by 4 — It is characterized by morphological changes similar to those in cirrhosis, such as retraction of the capsule, nodule formation, parenchymal atrophy, and ...

[3] by N Shijubou · 2021 · Cited by 4 — It is characterized by morphological changes similar to those in cirrhosis, such as retraction of the capsule, nodule formation, parenchymal ...

[5] Aug 30, 2024 — Worsening cough. Chest pain. Hemoptysis. Malaise. Weight loss. Dyspnea. Hoarseness. ... Symptoms from distant metastases may also be present and ...

[7] by N Pararas · 2021 · Cited by 5 — Almost 50% of all lung cancers have distal metastases at the time of diagnosis, with the most frequent metastasis sites being the brain, the ...

[11] Liver metastases with lung cancer are a very concerning finding, but the treatment paradigm is beginning to change. Newer systemic treatments such as targeted therapies and immunotherapies can sometimes control cancers to a greater degree achievable before with chemotherapy alone.

[15] The American Cancer Society says that survival rates are 7 percent for non-small cell lung cancer and 3 percent for small cell lung cancer that have spread to other organs.

Diagnostic Tests for Obsolete Lung Carcinoma Metastatic to the Liver

Lung cancer that has spread to the liver, also known as liver metastases, can be challenging to diagnose. However, various diagnostic tests can help identify this condition.

• Imaging Tests: Imaging tests such as CT scans of the abdomen [10], abdominal ultrasound [10], and MRI of the abdomen [3] are commonly used to detect liver metastases from lung cancer.
• Liver Function Tests: Liver function tests, including lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and bilirubin levels, can also be performed to assess the liver's function [7].
• Chest X-ray and CT Scan: A chest X-ray is usually the first test used to diagnose lung cancer [8], followed by a CT scan. You may also have a breathing test to check how your lungs are working and blood tests to check for any abnormalities.
• Other Tests: Other tests, such as a PET scan, can be performed to assess the spread of cancer in the body.

It's worth noting that the diagnosis of liver metastases from lung cancer is often made using a combination of these diagnostic tests. The American Cancer Society says that survival rates are 7 percent for non-small cell lung cancer and 3 percent for small cell lung cancer that have spread to other organs [13].

References: [3] MRI scans are most often used to look for possible spread of lung cancer to the brain, spinal cord, or liver. [7] Liver function tests look at the levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and bilirubin. [8] A chest X-ray is usually the 1st test used to diagnose lung cancer. Most lung tumours appear on X-rays as a white-grey mass. [10] Tests that may be performed to look for liver metastases from lung cancer include: CT scan of the abdomen; Abdominal ultrasound; MRI of the abdomen; [13] The American Cancer Society says that survival rates are 7 percent for non-small cell lung cancer and 3 percent for small cell lung cancer that have spread to other organs.

Treatment Options for Obsolete Lung Carcinoma Metastatic to the Liver

Obsolete lung carcinoma, also known as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), that has metastasized to the liver presents a complex treatment challenge. While there are no specific treatments listed on this topic in the search results, we can infer some general information about treating NSCLC with liver metastases.

Chemotherapy

While not specifically mentioned for obsolete lung carcinoma, chemotherapy is often used to treat stage 4 NSCLC with liver metastases. The most common chemotherapy drug combination used in this case is cisplatin or carboplatin with gemcitabine [5].

Targeted Therapies

For liver mets, targeted therapies are an option. These treatments specifically address the errors in the cell's DNA that are causing it to grow and multiply. However, there is no specific mention of these therapies for obsolete lung carcinoma [3].

Newer Treatments

More recent studies have shown promise with newer treatments such as sotorasib, which reduces tumor size and improves survival among patients with lung tumors caused by a specific DNA mutation [6]. Additionally, drugs like capmatinib (Tabrecta) and tepotinib (Tepmetko) are approved for treating NSCLC liver metastases, but may cause side effects such as lung or breathing problems, as well as liver issues [7].

Median Overall Survival

The median overall survival of patients with NSCLC liver metastases receiving standard chemotherapy is not more than 10 months [5][6][7]. This highlights the need for effective treatment options.

Current Treatment Practices

Our lung cancer physicians currently treat oligometastatic lung cancer with targeted radiation and/or surgery in addition to drug therapies. However, this information may not be directly applicable to obsolete lung carcinoma metastatic to the liver.

It's essential to consult a medical professional for personalized advice on treating obsolete lung carcinoma metastatic to the liver.

References:

[3] Oct 1, 2024 — Some treatment options for liver mets include: Targeted therapies specifically address the errors in the cell's DNA that is causing it to grow ... [5] The most common chemotherapy drug combination used to treat stage 4 non−small cell lung cancer is cisplatin or carboplatin with gemcitabine. [6] The new drug sotorasib reduces tumor size and shows promise in improving survival among patients with lung tumors caused by a specific DNA mutation. [7] Jan 11, 2023 — Drugs approved for this treatment are capmatinib (Tabrecta) and tepotinib (Tepmetko). They may cause lung or breathing problems as well as liver ...