Lung cancer natural history

Lung cancer Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Lung cancer from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic study of choice
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
X-ray
Echocardiography and Ultrasound
CT scan
MRI
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Lung cancer natural history On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Lung cancer natural history All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Lung cancer natural history
CDC on Lung cancer natural history
Lung cancer natural history in the news
Blogs on Lung cancer natural history
Directions to Hospitals Treating Lung cancer
Risk calculators and risk factors for Lung cancer natural history

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Assistant Editor(s)-In-Chief: Michael Maddaleni, B.S.

Complications

There are a variety of complications associated with lung cancer that depends upon different factors such as the stage of the cancer.

General Complications

1. Breathing difficulties
   1. Lung cancer patients can experience trouble breathing especially when tumors grow and block the airways. Also, it is possible for fluid to build up in the lungs of the patients which makes it difficult for the lungs to fully expand when inhaling.
2. Hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
   1. Occasionally lung cancer can cause bleeding in the airways which results in the patient coughing up blood.
3. Pain
   1. It is possible that lung cancer will cause pain as well, especially if it spreads to the lining of the lung, or other areas of the body, like the bones.
   2. There are treatments to help combat the pain.
4. Pleural effusion
   1. Lung cancer can cause fluid to build up in the lungs which can cause breathing difficulties.
   2. There are treatments available to help drain the excess fluid
5. Metastasis
   1. In many cases, lung cancer will spread out to other parts of the body. Some of the more common places lung cancer metastasizes to are the bones, liver, brain, and adrenal glands.

Surgical Complications

1. Bronchopleural fistula
   1. It is when air leaks from a pneumonectomy bronchial stump
   2. Approximately 2% of patients that undergo a pneumonectomy experience this
   3. It will most commonly occur approximately 7 to 10 days after surgery
2. Intrathoracic bleeding
   1. In most cases it occurs from bronchial vessels or lung parenchyma
   2. It may have the symptoms of hypovaelemia
   3. Usually, it can be treated by transfusion
3. Atelectasis
4. Sputum retention