[Diagnosis and treatment of metastatic lung tumors]

Almost all cases with metastatic lung tumor have no symptoms and their metastatic lesions of the lung are detected on X-ray films. The shapes of the shadows are so different that many kinds of examination are made. Among them, the radiographic examination is the most common and useful. It is important to make a diagnosis of metastatic lung tumor in the early stage in order to select effective treatment. In forty patients in whom metastatic lung tumors were removed in our institute hospital, the 5-year survival rate is as good as that of primary lung cancer. Ten of these patients survived for over 5 years after surgical treatment for metastatic lesions. The number of lesions and the type of lung resection did not relate to the prognosis. The thoracotomy is an effective therapeutic method for operable patients with metastatic lung tumor.