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Lung Cancer Complications: What You Should Know

As lung cancer develops, a range of complications can occur.

They include:

blockages in the airways, leading to breathing problems

blockage in the food pipe, which can make it hard to swallow

spitting or coughing up blood or rust-colored sputum

facial swelling

fluid around the lungs

infections

tumors in other parts of the body due to metastasis

blood clots

heart and cardiovascular problems

high calcium levels

problems with the nervous system, such as spinal cord compression and neuropathy

mental health conditions

Below, we look at each of these in more detail.

Blocked airways

A tumor may grow into an airway in the lung and block it. This may lead to further complications, such as pneumonia and shortness of breath.

Blocked food pipe

Lung cancers that grow near a person's esophagus, or food pipe, can cause complications, making it painful or difficult for a person to swallow.

Spitting up blood

Blood in mucus or sputum can indicate lung cancer. However, this can also occur with tuberculosis, a pulmonary embolism, congestive heart failure, or intestinal damage.

According to a 2017 research review, 17.4% of cases of coughing up blood are due to cancer, while 25.8% stem from other respiratory diseases.

Any production of blood, whether through spitting or coughing, needs urgent medical attention. It may or may not be a sign of cancer, but a doctor can make a correct diagnosis.

Learn more about the causes of blood in sputum.

Facial swelling

Facial swelling can sometimes be a complication of lung cancer. It can occur when tumors in the lungs block the flow of blood in a blood vessel known as the superior vena cava. Healthcare professionals refer to this as superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS).

Cancer is a common cause of SVCS, and most cases are due to lung cancer or non-Hodgkin lymphoma. SVCS may worsen when a person is lying down or raising both arms. Other symptoms of SVCS include:

In some cases, SVCS can be the first sign of cancer that appears.

A 2018 case study describes the experience of one person who approached a dermatologist about swelling around the eyes and a feeling of swelling in the face and throat. Diagnostic tests showed that the person had small-cell lung cancer (SCLC).

Excess fluid around the lungs

Excess fluid around the lungs, or pleural effusion, is a buildup of fluid between the membranes that cover the lungs. The fluid can then press against the lungs, causing breathlessness.

In some cases, a doctor can drain the excess fluid to relieve symptoms. Alternatively, a doctor may reduce the pleural space by introducing irritants into it or by placing a catheter.

Higher risk of infection

Some 35–70% of deaths among people with lung cancer are due to infections.

This can happen because cancer compromises lung health, increasing the risk of bronchitis or pneumonia. Some types of treatment also reduce the effectiveness of the immune system.

If a person with lung cancer develops a fever, a sore throat, pain, or other symptoms of an infection, they should seek medical attention immediately.

A doctor may recommend treatment with antibiotics.

Learn about the links between pneumonia and lung cancer.

Metastasis

As cancer progresses, it spreads to other parts of the body. Cancer cells can move from the lungs to the liver, the bones, the brain, and other areas through the lymphatic system or bloodstream.

Possible symptoms include:

bone pain if cancer affects the bones

headache, dizziness, and seizures if it spreads to the brain

yellowing of the eyes (jaundice) if it spreads to the liver

swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck or above the collarbone

In the later stages, cancer may affect many parts of the body, but it will still be lung cancer if it began in the lungs.

Learn more about metastatic lung cancer.

Blood clots

The American Cancer Society notes that people with cancer — especially lung cancer — may have a higher risk of blood clots. When cancer spreads to other parts of the body during metastasis, this can increase the risk as well.

Experts do not know exactly why this happens, but it may stem from tissue damage that occurs with cancer.

Heart and cardiovascular problems

Around 23% of people with lung cancer have cardiovascular disease. One reason may be that smoking is a strong risk factor for both diseases.

Even if a person does not already have heart disease, lung cancer can affect the heart and the cardiovascular system.

Lung cancer can also increase the risk of blood clots, which may lead to heart problems.

Hypercalcemia

A person with hypercalcemia has high levels of calcium in their blood. This often occurs with metastatic lung cancer and other types of cancer.

A doctor may diagnose hypercalcemia when levels are as follows:

One reason is that the bloodstream reabsorbs calcium from the bones when cancer damages them. Changes to the hormonal system can also contribute.

Symptoms of hypercalcemia include fatigue, confusion, constipation, and nausea.

Learn more about hypercalcemia and its effects.

Spinal cord compression

Up to 5% of people with metastatic cancer experience spinal cord compression. Lung cancer is one of the types of cancer in which this is most likely to occur.

Metastatic spinal cord compression can happen when a vertebra collapses due to damage from cancer or when a tumor develops and presses on the spinal cord.

Anyone who experiences limb weakness, numbness, difficulty walking, a loss of bowel or bladder control, or pain in the chest or spine should contact their doctor.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy is numbness and tingling in the hands and feet due to damaged nerve tissue. It can be a complication of lung cancer.

Neuropathy can occur when tumors are growing near the nerves in the arm or shoulder. A tumor compresses the nerves, leading to pain and weakness.

Here are some questions people often ask about lung cancer complications.

What are the complications of lung cancer?

The complications of lung cancer include breathing difficulty, fluid around the lungs, and a higher risk of infections, blood clots, and neuropathy. Tumors and other symptoms may appear if cancer spreads. Living with cancer can also affect a person's mental health.

What are the complications of lung cancer treatment?

The complications of treatment will depend on the treatment a person receives but may include a higher risk of blood clots and bone problems. Side effects may include nausea and vomiting, hair loss, and fatigue.

What happens when lung cancer gets worse?

As lung cancer progresses, a person may find it harder to breathe. They may also have a higher risk of blood clots, infections, and other health concerns. If the cancer spreads to the liver, for instance, they may notice a yellowing of the whites of the eyes due to jaundice. If the cancer affects the brain, they may experience confusion, among other symptoms.

Spotting Lung Cancer Symptoms

Lung cancer is one of the commonest malignant neoplasms worldwide. Fast becoming responsible for the most cancer deaths, globally, lung cancer must not be taken lightly.With increasing prevalence of smoking, lung cancer has reached epidemic proportions in India. As with most cancers, the earlier lung cancer is detected, the stronger are your chances of a complete recovery. Here are the top lung cancer symptoms to look out for...General symptoms of lung cancer: Various changes that may occur in the lung and the chest area due to lung cancer are - Congratulations!

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Login to view result - Coughing becomes intense and persistent.- Pain is experienced in the chest, back and shoulders. This is generally different from the pain experienced during coughing.- The colour and the volume of the sputum changes.- Shortness of breath.- The voice changes, becomes hoarse.- Harsh sounds are heard with each breath.- Coughing blood with consistent lung problems like bronchitis or pneumonia.- Loss of appetite, weight loss and the patient experiences constant fatigue.- Bone and joint pain, facial and neck swelling.- Bleeding

Less common symptoms of lung cancer: Usually linked with advanced lung cancer stage, some of the less common symptoms of lung cancer are as follows -

- Hoarse voice - Problem in swallowing- Finger clubbing, which means changes in the shape of your finger and nails- Blockage of blood vessels in the face area- Swelling in the neck area because of lymph nodes- Shortness of breath

Hormone related symptoms: There are certain types of lung cancer cells, which get into the bloodstream and can lead to symptoms, which eventually lead to lung cancer. Medically known as paraneoplastic syndrome, hormone related symptoms include -

- Weakness in the muscles - Needles and numbness in the fingers - Drowsiness, dizziness and confusion - Swelling of chest in men - Blood clots Quite uncommon in lung cancer, these kinds of symptoms can still make their presence felt. Thus, it is important to convey these occurences to your doctor.

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What Complications Can Advanced Breast Cancer Cause?

Metastatic breast cancer can cause various complications, either due to the cancer itself or side effects of treatments. Complications can include blood clots, pain, and wasting syndrome.

Metastatic breast cancer is a cancer that has spread to distant areas of the body, most commonly to the lungs, liver, and bones.

This article looks at potential complications of metastatic breast cancer and how they may affect the body.

General complications that may occur with metastatic breast cancer include:

Blood clots: Metastatic cancer can increase the risk of blood clots, as well as some cancer treatments.

Pain: The cancer or treatments may cause pain, muscle and joint aches, or painful conditions, such as nerve damage.

Cachexia: Cachexia, or wasting syndrome, is severe weight and muscle loss and may affect up to 80% of people with metastatic cancer.

If breast cancer spreads to the bone, complications may include the following:

Bone pain

Bone pain may be one of the first signs of bone metastases.

The pain may be sporadic at first but may become constant over time. A person may experience worse pain at night and find that it improves with movement.

Medications, such as pain relievers and bisphosphonates, and treatments, such as radiation therapy, may help treat bone pain.

Spinal compression

If breast cancer spreads to the bones of the spine, it can put pressure on the spinal cord and cause compression.

Spinal cord compression is a serious complication that, without treatment, may paralyze a person. Experts consider it a medical emergency, and people will need to seek medical help immediately.

Symptoms of spinal cord compression include:

back or neck pain

numbness in the legs or abdomen

leg weakness

loss of control of bowel movements or urination

Surgery and radiation therapy can help treat spinal compression.

Hypercalcemia

Hypercalcemia is the term for high calcium levels in the blood. Bone metastases can increase the amount of bone that cells break down, releasing excess calcium into the blood.

If people have hypercalcemia, they may experience:

lethargy or sleepiness

constipation

increased thirst

muscle weakness and aches

confusion

kidney failure

coma

Treatment may include intravenous (IV) fluids and bisphosphonates.

Fractures

Bone metastases can weaken the bone and increase the risk of fractures. People may experience sudden and severe pain if they have a fracture. Fractures most commonly occur in the spine, arms, or legs.

Bisphosphonates may help reduce the risk of fractures. People may have surgery to implant a metal rod to strengthen a weakened bone.

Breast cancer can cause the following lung complications.

Pleural effusion

Lung metastases may cause pleural effusion. Pleural effusion is a buildup of fluid in the lining of the lung, known as the pleural space.

Pleural effusion can compress the lungs and cause chest pressure, shortness of breath, and coughing.

Thoracentesis is a procedure for treating pleural effusion using a needle to drain the excess fluid.

Coughing up blood

The medical term for coughing up blood from the lungs is hemoptysis, which may occur with breast cancer that has spread to the lungs.

People may have systemic treatments to target lung metastases, such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, or immunotherapy.

The following are complications from metastases that can affect the liver.

Jaundice

Breast cancer liver metastases may cause jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. Other symptoms of liver metastases may include:

fatigue

weakness

abdominal discomfort or pain

weight loss

a loss of appetite

swelling in the legs

Itching is also a common symptom of cancer affecting the liver.

Blocked bile ducts

The bile ducts are small tubes that carry bile from the liver to the small intestine. Breast cancer metastases may cause a bile duct blockage, although this is rare.

Jaundice can be a sign of a blocked bile duct.

The following complications affecting the brain can develop due to advanced breast cancer.

Headaches

If cancer spreads to the brain, tumors may cause swelling in certain areas of the brain. Headaches are a common symptom of brain metastases.

People may also experience changes in their mental state, confusion, memory problems, or behavioral changes.

Steroids, such as dexamethasone, can help decrease swelling and reduce symptoms. Surgery and radiation therapy can also help manage symptoms.

Seizures

A seizure is an abnormal burst of electrical activity in the brain and may occur with brain tumors. Seizures may occur in around 10–20% of people with brain metastases.

Anti-seizure medications may help treat seizures with brain metastases and can help prevent them from recurring.

A person may also require:

radiation therapy

stereotactic brain surgery, which aims to remove the tumor from the brain

steroids

Stroke

If a brain tumor affects the blood supply to the brain, it may cause a stroke. Symptoms of a stroke include:

sudden weakness or numbness affecting one side of the body

difficulty speaking

changes in vision

dizziness

a headache

a loss of balance

If people have symptoms of stroke, they will need immediate medical attention.

Treatment for breast cancer can also lead to complications.

Lymphedema

Lymphedema is a buildup of fluid in the tissues due to impaired lymphatic system function.

Breast cancer and treatment may affect how lymph flows through the lymphatic system. Removal of the breast and underarm lymph nodes may lead to lymphedema.

Symptoms of lymphedema include swelling in the arms or legs.

Treatment may include exercise, compression devices, and infection prevention.

Nerve damage

Chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer may cause damage to the peripheral nerves. People may experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hands or feet.

Heart problems

Certain breast cancer treatments, such as some types of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy, may lead to heart problems, including heart disease and heart failure.

However, the risk of dying from breast cancer is much higher if people do not receive the appropriate treatment. If people are concerned about how their treatment will affect them, they should speak with a doctor.

Breast cancer can cause various complications if it spreads to distant areas of the body. People should let a healthcare professional know as soon as they experience signs of complications.

Medications and treatments can help manage symptoms and may prevent them from progressing.

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