American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

To which organ does sarcoma most commonly metastasize?

1. Liver

2. Bones

3. Lungs

4. Brain

The correct answer is: Lungs

Sarcomas are a type of cancer that originate from connective tissues, such as bones, cartilage, fat, muscle, and blood vessels. When it comes to the typical patterns of metastasis associated with sarcomas, the lungs are the predominant site for metastatic spread. This is primarily due to the rich blood supply and the unique lymphatic drainage patterns of the lungs, which facilitate the dissemination of cancerous cells from the primary site. Unlike carcinomas, which often spread to regional lymph nodes or organs such as the liver, sarcomas predominantly travel through the bloodstream, leading to a higher incidence of lung metastases. In contrast, while sarcomas can metastasize to the liver, bones, and brain, these sites are less frequent compared to the lungs. The bone may also serve as a secondary site for certain types of sarcomas, but overall, the lungs remain the most common organ impacted when sarcomas metastasize. Understanding this pattern is crucial for monitoring patients who have been diagnosed with sarcomas and can significantly influence management strategies.