Gastrointestinal metastasis from primary lung cancer

Aim:  Although gastrointestinal metastasis from primary lung cancer is uncommon, the incidence may increase due to widespread application of chemotherapy and positron emission tomography scan. The aim of the present study was to determine the incidence and characteristics of patients with gastrointestinal metastasis from primary lung cancer. Methods:  All patients with curative pulmonary resection for primary lung cancer from January 1994 to December 2006 were reviewed. A total of 10 patients (0.3%) who had gastrointestinal metastases from primary lung cancer were included. Results:  Eight patients had small bowel metastases and two had gastric metastases. All eight patients who had small bowel metastases underwent emergency laparotomy. Two gastric metastases were diagnosed via endoscopy. None of them survived more than 3 months after diagnosis. Conclusion:  Gastrointestinal metastasis from primary lung cancer is uncommon and its prognosis is poor. Extensive bowel resection and reconstruction are not recommended.