The process of spread of lung cancer to other parts of the body is termed as metastasis. The areas of tumor growth are called metatstases. As lung cancer spreads very early in its course, it is considered very threatening and is very difficult to treat. Lung cancer metastasis can occur to any organ of the body although the most commonly affected organs are the adrenal glands, brain, bones and liver.
The lungs are a very common place for metastasis from tumors in other parts of the body. Tumor metastases are made up of the same types of cells as the original or primary tumor. Example:- If prostate cancer spreads to the lungs via the bloodstream, it will be called metastatic prostate cancer in the lung and not be called lung cancer.