Pulmonary metastasectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove cancer that has spread from its original site to the lungs. These tumors are known as lung metastases and may occur with cancers such as colorectal, kidney, breast, sarcoma, and other primary cancers.
When Is Pulmonary Metastasectomy Considered?
Surgery may be considered for carefully selected patients when the lung metastases are limited and can be safely removed while preserving adequate lung function. Doctors consider factors such as the number and location of lung tumors, control of the primary cancer, whether cancer has spread elsewhere, overall health, and lung function. A multidisciplinary cancer team may recommend surgery alone or combine it with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or other treatments depending on the individual case.
Procedure and Recovery
Depending on the size, number, and location of tumors, the surgeon may remove the metastases using techniques such as wedge resection or another appropriate lung-sparing procedure. Preoperative imaging and assessment help determine the safest surgical approach. Recovery varies according to the extent of surgery and the patient's overall health. Follow-up imaging and oncology consultations are important to monitor for recurrence and guide further treatment.