Multiple primary lung cancer (MPLC) is an uncommon entity of the primary lung cancer. With the widespread use of early detection tools such as multislice spiral computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), and the better survival results after resection of primary lung cancer, more and more MPLC have been detected. However, the current diagnostic and therapeutic methods cannot meet the needs of MPLC individualized demand of diagnosis and treatment. At present, diagnostic criteria of MPLC are based on histological types, genetic characteristics, image features, tumor locations and clinical manifestation. On the treatment of MPLC, Surgery-based multi-discipline comprehensive treatment is regarded as the treatment of choice. In this paper, we make a review through summarizing the latest literature progress on the epidemiology, etiology, diagnostic criteria, treatment options and prognosis of MPLC.