Where does non-small cell lung cancer commonly metastasize?

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) commonly metastasizes to the brain due to the unique blood supply and the presence of specific receptors on the cancer cells that facilitate their spread to this organ. The brain serves as an advantageous environment for cancer cells, allowing them to thrive and grow, leading to the development of secondary tumors.

Metastasis to the brain is particularly significant because it can lead to neurologic symptoms and complications, which can severely impact a patient's quality of life and treatment options. This tendency for NSCLC to spread to the brain is well-documented, making awareness of this potential metastasis crucial for treatment planning and patient management.

The other options—muscles, stomach, and pancreas—are less common sites for metastasis from NSCLC. While lung cancer can metastasize to various organs, the brain is one of the more prevalent sites due to its vascular connections and specific tumor biology associated with NSCLC.