Like any other cancer (Lung Cancer Treatment), lung cancer also develops when cells start growing abnormally and uncontrollably, the cells grow into a mass or tumour and invade surrounding tissues and organs. After that, it spreads to other parts of the body and has the potential to grow back after being removed.
Lung cancer can take many years to develop. Cigarette smoking is the most common risk factor for developing lung cancer, also, if you are exposed to cigarette smoke or some of its components, you may end up with permanent abnormal changes in your lungs and these changes can cause a cancerous tumour to develop within the lung.
It is imperative to talk to your doctor about possible side effects before you begin treatment, everyone reacts differently to treatment, and being prepared helps whether you experience problems.
Also Read: Coping with Treatment of Small Cell Lung Cancer
As lung cancer progresses towards the advanced stage, it can cause complications. Moreover, complications may vary from cancer spreading to other parts of your body or as a side effect of your treatment plan.
Tumors around the upper area of the right lung can put pressure on the superior vena cava (SVC), a vein that transports blood from the upper body to the heart. This may cause facial swelling.
If this happens, it can restrict blood flow and cause swelling in the face, neck, and arms. This condition is called SVC syndrome. It may need immediate treatment.
Lung cancer causes blockages in the central airways in around 30 per cent of people with advanced lung cancer.
It can also cause the buildup of fluid around the lungs and it is pleural effusion and this may result in pain and shortness of breath. Also, large tumours or pleural effusions may compress the lungs, decrease lung function, and increase your risk of pneumonia. Pneumonia symptoms include cough, chest pain, and fever. If it is not treated on time, it can have a life-threatening result.
Bronchitis and pneumonia are common symptoms of lung cancer and you are more prone to infection because of decreased immune system function from cancer or cancer treatments.
Lung cancer can spread to other parts of the body. This spread is called metastasis. It can cause significant side effects depending on the area it applies to. Common sites of metastasis in lung cancer are:
Tumours that are larger and have spread to other parts of the body indicate a more advanced stage of cancer.
People with lung cancer are at an incredibly high risk of deep vein thrombosis, which occurs when a blood clot develops in a deep vein, especially the lower leg or thigh. Additionally, factors that may increase the likelihood include:
A blood clot can be life-threatening if it travels to the lungs. This condition called a pulmonary embolism, can prevent blood flow to the lungs and is one of the leading causes of death in cancer patients.
People with lung cancer may also experience hemoptysis or bloody sputum when coughing. This may be due to bleeding in the airways coughing, or irritating tumors.
According to research from 2019, around 20 people with lung cancer experience hemoptysis. Treatments are available to help manage cancer-related hemoptysis.
Sometimes lung cancer can lead to increased levels of calcium in the blood, known as hypercalcemia. This may occur when your body releases a protein called parathyroid hormone-related protein. Symptoms include:
Rarely, lung cancer may spread to the heart, where tumours can compress or block the veins and arteries. While there may be no symptoms at first, this spread may lead to life-threatening outcomes, such as:
Lung cancer may spread to the hearts left atrium in up to 10 per cent trusted Source of cases, according to a 2019 case study. Treatment usually involves chemotherapy and radiation.
Metastatic spinal cord compression occurs when cancer spreads to the spine and compresses or collapses the vertebrae. According to a study from 2016, around 28 per cent of people with lung cancer develop this condition.
This condition is an emergency, as the compression can permanently damage the spinal cord. If you have lung cancer and develop these symptoms, its essential to seek medical treatment right away.
It is rare for lung cancer to spread to the oesophagus. If lung cancer reaches the oesophagus, you may have trouble swallowing or experience more pain when food passes through the oesophagus to your stomach. Radiation from treating lung cancer may also cause inflammation in the oesophagus, creating difficulty when swallowing.
Neuropathy is a disorder that affects the nerves, mainly of the hands and feet.
Tumours located at the top of your lungs called Pancoast tumours, can sometimes affect the nerves in your eyes and face. This can lead to Horners syndrome, a condition that includes:
Pain is a common symptom of lung cancer. It can occur in different parts of the body, including ribs or chest muscles, or in other parts of the body where lung cancer has spread. It may be worse if you laugh, take a deep breath or cough.
The pain usually increases in the advanced stages of cancer. Cancer treatment may help with these symptoms, though treatments like surgery or chemotherapy may cause another discomfort. Pain-related lung cancer can often be managed with medication and radiation.
Medical cannabis is becoming very popular in managing pain as it has no side effects. It is approved by the FDA in the USA and Ayush Ministry in India. At ZenOnco.io, we have a CBD expert who prescribes medical cannabis per individual requirements. It is highly beneficial in managing pain and inducing sleep.
Detecting lung cancer early gives you a higher chance of treating it effectively and avoiding complications. However, It can be challenging to detect because symptoms often dont show up until the disease is advanced.
If you are at high risk of lung cancer, your doctor may recommend yearly screenings to check for signs of the disease. Avoiding second-hand smoke can also minimize your chance of developing lung cancer.
Complications from lung cancer can crop up when the disease progresses, or treatment starts. If you notice signs of these complications, consult your oncologist immediately. The survival rate of lung cancer depends on the stage of cancer it is diagnosed. If it is diagnosed and treated in earlier stages, you have a better chance of survival. Most lung cancer cases are detected at later stages as symptoms that lead to diagnosis usually dont arise until it is advanced.
Elevate your Journey with Enhanced Immunity & Well-being
For personalized guidance on cancer treatments and complementary therapies, consult our experts atZenOnco.ioor call+91 9930709000
Reference:
Link Copied
Nurture Hope & Healing
with ZenOnco
On Google play India
Nurture Hope & Healing
with ZenOnco
On Google play India
