Lung cancer

Lung cancer is a malignant tumour of the lungs. Most commonly it is bronchogenic carcinoma (about 90%). Lung cancer is the most lethal malignant tumour worldwide, causing up to 3 million deaths annually.

Signs and symptoms

Common symptoms that suggest lung cancer include:

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• dyspnea (shortness of breath)
• hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
• chronic cough
• wheezing
• chest pain
• cachexia (weight loss), fatigue and loss of appetite
• dysphonia (hoarse voice)
• clubbing of the fingernails

If the cancer grows into the lumen it may obstruct the airway, causing breathing difficulties. This can lead to accumulation of secretions behind the blockage, predisposing the patient to pneumonia.

Related Topics:
Airway - Breathing difficulties - Pneumonia

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Many lung cancers have a rich blood supply. The surface of the cancer may be fragile, leading to bleeding from the cancer into the airway. This blood may subsequently be coughed up.

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Depending on the type of tumor, so-called paraneoplastic phenomena may initially attract attention to the disease. In lung cancer, this may be Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (muscle weakness due to auto-antibodies), hypercalcemia and SIADH. Tumors in the top (apex) of the lung, known as Pancoast tumors, may invade the local part of the sympathetic nervous system, leading to changed sweating patterns and eye muscle problems (a combination known as Horner's syndrome), as well as muscle weakness in the hands due to invasion of the brachial plexus.

Related Topics:
Paraneoplastic phenomena - Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome - Auto-antibodies - Hypercalcemia - SIADH - Pancoast tumor - Sympathetic nervous system - Horner's syndrome - Brachial plexus

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In many patients, the cancer has already spread beyond the original site by the time they have symptoms and seek medical attention.

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