Lung cancer can spread through the lung and into the chest wall.

If cancer cells get into the lymphatic system or bloodstream they can travel to other areas of the body and start growing there. These cancers are called secondary cancers or metastases.

If the cancer gets into the lymphatic system it can reach the lymph nodes in the chest and neck. If it gets into the bloodstream it can travel to the bones, liver, brain and skin.

Small cell lung cancer tends to spread more quickly to distant body parts than non-small cell lung cancer.

Related links
What is the lymphatic system?