The lungs are essential to the body, as they are responsible for respiration, bringing in oxygen into the body, and expelling carbon dioxide. Lung cancer forms due to uncontrollable growth of the lung tissues that line the air passageway. According to The National Cancer Institute, there are 222,250 new cases of lung cancer and 157,300 deaths caused by this disease. Lung cancer can spread to other organs in the body, and, due to the importance of the lungs' function, it can cause several side effects.
Shortness of Breath
According to the MayoClinic.com, if the cancer is blocking the major lung airways, a person may suffer shortness of breath. There are also cases where lung cancer can cause accumulation of fluid in the lungs, making it hard for the lungs to inflate when you inhale. The accumulation of fluid in the chest cavity, according to the MayoClinic.com, is called pleural effusion. Pleural effusion is an outcome of the cancer that is spreading outside the lungs or it can be a reaction to the cancer that is inside the lungs. There are treatments to remove the fluid from the chest to reduce the risk of the occurrence of pleural effusion.
Coughing Up Blood
The Mayo Clinic states that bleeding in the airway may happen because of lung cancer. This can result in a person coughing up blood, also called hemoptysis. There are times that bleeding can be severe, which can lead to anemia, which is a decreased level of red blood cells. This can cause unusual fatigue. However, there are treatments to control the bleeding in the airway, according to the MayoClinic.com.
Wheezing and Chest Pain
Since lung cancer can obstruct the airways, it can lead to inadequate oxygen supply. The narrowing of the airways can lead to wheezing sounds in the patient. According to Merck.com, as the tumor gets advanced and presses deeper into the chest wall, it can cause a persistent chest pain.
Metastasis
MayoClinic.com states that lung cancer can habitually spread to other parts of the body over time. Cancer may extend to the opposite lung, brain, bones, liver and adrenal glands. This concept is known as metastasis and can bring pain, nausea, headaches and other symptoms depending on the area that is affected. Often times, treatment for metastasis is to lessen the signs and symptoms. MayoClinic.com indicates that alternative techniques cannot cure cancer but can reduce the signs and symptoms. Some alternative methods are hypnosis, acupuncture, meditation and yoga.
