7 Complications of Lung Cancer
Medically Reviewed By William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
Written By Evelyn Creekmore on January 29, 2021
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Lung Cancer Complications You Should KnowA lung cancer diagnosis is overwhelming. And not easy to get your head around. You may not even want to know the potential complications, but learning about them doesn’t mean you’ll get them, and some are quite rare. Be informed about what could happen so you can address it sooner, especially in the event of a medical emergency. Feel good about empowering yourself and being proactive about your treatment process.
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1. Excess Fluid Around LungsWith normally expanding lungs, the space between the lungs and chest wall (pleural space) contains about a teaspoon of fluid. With lung cancer, additional fluid and cancer cells can build up and crowd the space. This is called malignant pleural effusion (MPE), and it can cause pain and shortness of breath. Chemotherapy or radiation may resolve MPE. If not, medical procedures are available to drain the fluid and help keep it from building up again. Some options are even non-invasive.
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2. Higher Risk of InfectionSome cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, kill white blood cells along with cancer cells. White blood cells fight off infection, and up to two-thirds of them are a type called neutrophils. If your level of neutrophils gets too low, it can cause neutropenia, a condition where your risk of getting an infection is higher and the likelihood it will be severe is greater. Let your doctor know right away if you have a fever, one of the hallmarks of neutropenia. Neutropenia can be treated with antibiotics.
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3. Blood ClotsLung cancer can increase the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), more commonly known as blood clots. There are two types. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the formation of a blood clot in a deep vein, often in the leg. A pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when the clot breaks off and heads toward the lungs. Swelling or pain in your leg or sudden chest pain can signal a blood clot, so let your doctor know immediately if you’re experiencing these symptoms. Medicines are available to dissolve clots before they cause serious damage.
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4. Spitting Up BloodSpitting up blood from the lungs or bronchial tubes is called hemoptysis. Nearly a quarter of the instances of hemoptysis in the U.S. are caused by lung cancer. Treatment depends on whether the bleeding is massive or non-massive based on the amount of blood. Guidelines vary, but less than 10% of instances are considered massive. Massive hemoptysis can be treated with surgery. Bronchial artery embolization may be a non-invasive option.
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5. HypercalcemiaAbout 10 to 20% of people with cancer develop hypercalcemia (a high level of calcium in the blood). Not everyone has symptoms, and symptoms may be hard to separate from the effects of cancer or cancer treatment. These symptoms can include vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue and depression. Your doctor can diagnosis hypercalcemia with a blood test. Report severe symptoms of hypercalcemia such as kidney stones or an irregular heart beat to your doctor immediately.
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6. Heart BlockageThe superior vena cava is a vein that delivers blood from the body to the heart. If cancer spreads, it can press against this vein or grow into it, causing a major blockage known as superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS). This condition only occurs in an estimated 3.8% of people with lung cancer, but it’s important to be aware of it as a medical emergency. Get help immediately if you have swelling in your face, upper body or arms, or if you’re experiencing excessive coughing or shortness of breath.
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7. Spinal Cord CompressionIf cancer spreads and puts pressure on the spinal cord, it can cause spinal cord compression (SCC). Like SVCS, this complication is a medical emergency. Identifying symptoms early is critical for effective treatment to help relieve pain, limit nerve damage, and prevent permanent disability. Get immediate medical help if you feel numbness in your fingers or toes (neuropathy), have trouble walking, or lose control of your bladder or bowels (incontinence).
7 Complications of Lung Cancer | Pleural Effusion