Lung cancer, an aggressive disease that either begins in the lungs or spreads to the lungs, occurs most often in people between the ages of 45 and 70. It is the leading cause of cancer in Americans, according to The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. Those who smoke cigarettes account for 85 percent of incidences of lung cancer. While symptoms of lung cancer depend on the type present, a number of symptoms require immediate medical assistance and may require an emergency room visit.
Coughing Up Blood
Lung cancer may cause the sufferer to cough up blood, according to MayoClinic.com--a condition that may become severe. Blood that is coughed up, also known as hemoptysis, may present as red or pink and frothy, and it may also appear combined with mucus. MayoClinic.com recommends that lung cancer patients should call 911 immediately or seek emergency room care if a large volume of blood comes up during a coughing fit.
Collapsed Lung
According to The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library, lung cancer may narrow the airway, which can cause atelectasis, a partial or full collapse of the lung. This condition results in chest pain, coughing and breathing trouble. MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. Library of Medicine, notes that while a small, partial lung collapse generally does not seriously threaten health, a large lung collapse should be considered a medical emergency, indicating the need for emergency room care.
Heart Failure
Levels of oxygen in the blood decrease when cancer spreads throughout the lungs, according to The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. This condition eventually causes the right side of the heart to enlarge and may lead to heart failure. Heart failure by itself, while serious, does not require emergency care. However, as heart failure progresses, it can cause heart attacks. According to MayoClinic.com, heart failure can be life threatening under these circumstances. Should lung cancer patients suffer a heart attack, immediate medical intervention is vital. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room to seek treatment.
