Pulmonary metastasis.
OBJECTIVE
To provide a review of pulmonary-specific pathophysiology and pulmonary metastasis-related information regarding diagnostic tests, differential diagnoses, signs and symptoms, treatment, and nursing implications.


METHODS
Research studies, review papers, and case reports pertaining to pulmonary metastasis.


CONCLUSIONS
Several site-specific mechanisms of metastasis may begin to explain why the lungs are a common metastatic site. There are circumstances when pulmonary metastases can be either surgically removed or treated with combined modalities, resulting in prolonged survival.


CONCLUSIONS
Metastatic disease may be treated aggressively; for some patients, this can result in prolonged survival while maintaining reasonable quality of life. A useful basic resource for obtaining a pulmonary history is provided. Key points regarding symptom management and patient education also are discussed.
Smith
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Thoracic Oncology Program, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA.
D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing* / Q000556:secondary*; D009859:Oncology Nursing