Lung cancer is abnormal growth of tissue in the lungs. The presence of cancer in the lungs can be due to abnormal cells of the lungs or abnormal cells from outside the lungs. Lung cancer is a life-threatening condition because it affects the function of the lungs as well as the function of the body as a whole.
Types of Lung Cancer
Two groups of cancers arise from cells of the lung: small cell carcinoma of lung and non-small cell carcinoma of lung. A person with a long history of active smoking is at risk for developing small cell cancer of the lungs. A nonsmoker with other risk factors is likely to develop a non-small cell cancer of the lungs. Cancer cells can also metastasize, or spread, to the lungs from other tissues, such as breast, colon and bladder.
Symptoms of Lung Cancer
Cancer occupies space in the lungs and therefore reduces the surface area for gas exchange in the lungs; a person with lung cancer is often short of breath. A person with lung cancer can also experience weight loss and also a loss in appetite. Cancer cells are foreign to the lung and therefore cause irritation of the lungs; a cough is the lung's response to irritation. Other symptoms include chest pain, hoarseness of voice, wheezing, recurrent pneumonia and difficulty swallowing.
Weight Loss in Lung Cancer
Cancers are commonly associated with weight loss. Cancer cells have autonomy and function without control. Cancer cells divide and consume energy at rates greater than that of normal cells -- these properties of cancer cells increase energy demand in the body. Weight loss occurs when the body consumes more energy than the amount of energy it receives from food intake.
Loss of Appetite in Lung Cancer
Increase energy demand by the body means that a person tends to be hungry soon after eating. Appetite increases with hunger. Lung cancer actually increases a person's appetite. Loss of appetite in the setting of lung cancer is often related to the side effects of treatment. Chemotherapy depresses appetite.
Management of Appetite and Weight Loss
A person on chemotherapy should be given medications to stimulate appetite. Megestrol and metoclopramide are two medications commonly used to stimulate appetite. Eating small amounts of foods high in protein and calories can help a person cope with weight loss and appetite loss. Foods that smell good may also stimulate appetite. Eating favorite foods and snacks also help.
