Lung cancer is a prevalent disease worldwide, primarily due to cigarette use.
The diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer are well defined. In some cases,
surgery is required for the possibility of a cure. Exercise testing is one step
used to decide which patients are suitable for surgery.
Who Should Have an Exercise Test?
A lung cancer patient who has been advised that surgery is an option will
benefit from an exercise evaluation. This evaluation can be as simple as
telling the chest surgeon that one exercises at acceptable level without symptoms.
If one has symptoms such as shortness of breath with routine activities then
an exercise test may be needed.
Are There Other Tests I Need Before Exercise Testing?
A chest surgeon will need a lung function test to measure total lung
capacity before any further tests are ordered. If the results of this test are adequate,
then an exercise evaluation is the next step.
What Exercise Tests Are Available?
There are a range of tests available. Simply knowing that a person can climb three flights of steps without stopping or walking a football field in 2 minutes may be enough. However, if a person is significantly short of breath with light activity, then he may need a formal treadmill type test at a referral center. These tests can include walking, biking or arm motions in a laboratory to assess lung reserves. If the doctor does not have access to testing facilities, then climbing three flights of steps or a six minute walk test may be as useful as formal testing.
Why Is This Important To a Doctor?
For patients who may benefit from lung surgery to cure lung cancer, the surgeon
needs to know if the patient can survive the operation and recovery. Exercise testing measures lung reserve and motivation. Poor lung reserve increases mortality. Poor motivation hampers recovery. A person who performs well on the exercise test has lung reserve and motivation. A person who performs poorly may not have good lung reserve and may lack motivation.
References
- 'Manual of Clinical Problems in Pulmonary Medicine'; Bordow, R.A. et al; 2005
