Cannonball metastasis (mnemonic)

Last revised by Frank Gaillard on 28 May 2023

Cannonball metastases refer to multiple large, well-circumscribed, round pulmonary metastases. Numerous primary tumours have been described presenting with cannonball metastases, however, some primary tumours have a predilection for this presentation.

It should be noted that it is difficult to find a definitive list of common primaries presenting in this manner; therefore, sources differ substantially in the list they provide 1-3.

For example, a mnemonic that has been proposed is:

  • CRESP

Mnemonic

Cases and figures

  • Canonball lung metastases
  • Cannonballs (illustration)
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