Lung cancer can cause a variety of problems that are sometimes related to the disease itself but may also be side effects of treatment. Recognizing the signs of certain complications can help your doctor devise a plan to treat your symptoms.

When Lung Cancer Spreads

Lung cancer can spread to different parts of your body, which is known as metastasis. Lung cancer commonly metastasizes to areas such as the brain, bones, liver, and adrenal glands. When cancer spreads, it can lead to undesirable symptoms in the organs it affects.

Pain

Pain can occur in the chest or anywhere the lung cancer has spread. Typically, pain is felt when the disease has advanced. At first, the discomfort might come and go, but over time, it may become persistent. Your doctor can offer treatments and strategies to help you manage the pain.

Lung Problems

If the cancer blocks your airways, you might experience shortness of breath. Sometimes, breathing difficulties are caused by pleural effusion (fluid buildup around the lungs). When fluid accumulates, it makes it harder for your lungs to fully expand when you take a breath. Certain types of lung cancer can also trigger a large production of mucus, which can lead to breathing problems. Additionally, bleeding in the airways can cause some people with lung cancer to cough up blood. Tell your doctor if you experience any symptoms of lung problems. In many cases, treatments are available to help.

Nerve Problems

Lung cancer can sometimes grow into and damage nerves, which can result in many different types of symptoms, including nerve-related pain, also known as neuropathy. Cancer treatments may also be to blame for this complication. Symptoms of neuropathy include pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. Treatments are available to help relieve these unwanted effects, though neuropathy is difficult to treat, and often treatments do not completely get rid of the symptoms. If cancer grows into the nerves of the neck or face, it can cause Horner’s syndrome, a condition that’s characterized by a drooping eyelid, a small pupil, and little or no sweating on the affected side of the face. If the brachial plexus (a network of nerves that branches from the neck into the shoulder and arms) is damaged, you can develop Pancoast’s syndrome. This condition can cause weakness, pain, or numbness in the hand or arm. Lung tumors can also impact the nerves that are connected to your voice box. If this happens, you can develop hoarseness or voice changes.

Heart Issues

Some lung tumors can grow near the heart or major vessels in your body. When this happens, certain veins and arteries may become blocked, which can cause swelling in the chest, neck, or face. You might also experience headaches, dizziness, vision issues, and fatigue. Tumors that grow near the heart can affect its rhythm and may cause fluid buildup.

Swallowing Difficulties

If cancer grows near the esophagus (the tube that connects your throat to your stomach), you might experience trouble swallowing. Some people also report feeling more pain when eating or drinking. People who receive radiation to their tumors can often experience these issues. Radiation can also temporarily damage the lining of the esophagus. This discomfort could interfere with your nutrition, so be sure to tell your doctor if you have any problems swallowing your food.

Other Complications

Other complications associated with lung cancer may include these conditions:

Hypercalcemia This condition happens when cancer causes too much calcium to be retained in your blood. Symptoms may include weakness, nausea, constipation, vomiting, confusion, and fatigue.Weakening of the Bones Cancer that spreads to the bones can weaken them and lead to fractures.Hyponatremia If lung cancer has caused your body to retain water, your blood sodium level can fall too low. Common symptoms of hyponatremia are weakness, confusion, and sometimes, seizures.Fatigue Everyone gets tired, but if you have lung cancer, you might feel overwhelming exhaustion that doesn’t go away. This could be due to the cancer spreading in your body or the therapies used to treat the disease.

The procedures and therapies used to treat lung cancer can cause problems of their own. Surgery can lead to complications, such as infection, excessive bleeding, blood clots, and pneumonia. Although rare, death is another risk associated with certain lung cancer operations and treatments. Several types of chemotherapy drugs are available to treat lung cancer. Your reaction to chemo will depend on your condition and how your body responds to the medicine. Complications of chemotherapy may include these conditions:

Nausea, vomiting, or diarrheaHair lossInfectionWeight lossFatigueDepressionNeuropathyAnemia (a low red blood cell count)Neutropenia (a severe drop in white blood cells)Thrombocytopenia (abnormal blood clotting)Liver and kidney damageAllergic reaction

Nausea and vomiting used to be a serious complication of all chemotherapy, but there are many new medications to treat this, some of which are given with the chemotherapy and some of which people can take at home in case the issue arises. With certain chemotherapies you will also be asked to take vitamin B12 and folic acid to decrease the risk of the complications listed above. Sometimes, radiation is given alone or in combination with chemotherapy to treat lung cancer. Radiation can cause issues, such as these conditions:

Severe inflammation of the esophagus or lungsRash or other skin reactionFatigueInfection

Depending on your condition, newer drugs may be available to treat the cancer, each with their own side effects and risks. Your doctor will monitor your symptoms carefully while you’re being treated for lung cancer.