Case 18-2021: An 81-Year-Old Man with Cough, Fever, and Shortness of Breath
Metastatic Cancer To The Lung
Cancer that starts elsewhere in your body can spread to your lungs. This isn't lung cancer, but it may cause lung symptoms. Treatment options depend on the original cancer site and may include surgery or chemotherapy.
When cancer develops, it typically forms in one area or organ of the body. This area is known as the primary site. Unlike other cells in the body, cancer cells can break away from the primary site and travel to other parts of the body.
Cancer cells can move in the body through the bloodstream or the lymph system. The lymph system is made up of vessels that carry fluids and support the immune system. When cancer cells travel to other organs in the body, it's called metastasis.
Cancer that metastasizes to the lungs from other areas is a life-threatening condition that develops when cancer in another area of the body spreads to the lung. Cancer that develops at any primary site can form metastatic tumors.
These tumors are capable of spreading to the lungs. Primary tumors that commonly spread to the lungs include:
For cancer cells to metastasize, they must go through several changes. First, the cells have to break away from the primary site and find a way to enter the bloodstream or lymph system.
Once they're in the bloodstream or lymph system, the cancer cells can form a new tumor in another part of the body. In the case of lung metastases, the cancer cells travel to the lungs and form a new tumor.
When the cells arrive at the lung, they'll need to change again in order to grow in the new location. The cells must also be able to survive attacks from the immune system.
The goal of treatment is to control the growth of the cancer or to relieve any symptoms. There are numerous different treatments available. Your specific treatment plan will depend on various factors, including:
Chemotherapy is often used to treat lung metastases. This drug therapy helps destroy cancerous cells in the body. It's the preferred treatment option when the cancer is more advanced and has spread to other organs in the body.
In some cases, surgery may also be performed to remove the metastatic tumors in the lung. This is usually done if someone already had their primary tumor removed or if the cancer has only spread to limited areas of the lung.
Your doctor may also recommend:
Experimental treatments for metastatic cancer are also available. Heat probes can be used to destroy cancer cells in the lungs. Chemotherapy drugs may also be applied directly to the affected area of the lung containing the metastatic tumor.
Your long-term outlook will depend on the size and location of your primary tumor. It'll also depend on how much the cancer has spread. Certain cancers that spread to the lungs can be very treatable with chemotherapy.
Primary tumors in the kidney, colon, or bladder that spread to the lungs may sometimes be completely removed with surgery.
In most cases, metastatic cancer can't be cured. However, treatments may help prolong your life and improve the quality of your life.
Managing The Symptoms Of Metastatic Lung Cancer
Metastatic lung cancer happens when cancer cells have spread beyond your lungs to other places in your body. This is usually called stage III or stage IV lung cancer.
Metastasis, or the spread of cancer, sometimes happens gradually. You may not notice anything at first. You may start to see symptoms once the tumors are large enough to affect other organs in your body. You also might have side effects from the treatments for your advanced cancer.
Here are some ways that you might manage your symptoms and bring some relief.
You'll tend to notice symptoms here first. Metastatic lung cancer can cause:
Chest pain. Stress and a fear of pain can actually cause you to be more sensitive to pain. This can make you more uncomfortable. Tell your doctor if your chest hurts or if you think you might have problems with your heart. Otherwise, relaxation techniques may offer relief. For example, you can:
You can also try complementary treatments to ease pain. These might include:
Shortness of breath. This is a pretty common symptom, both from your lung cancer and from its treatments. Your doctor may have you try supplemental oxygen to help you feel more comfortable. But this may not always be enough.
It might be hard to do when you're short of breath, but try to relax if you can. That may ease your stress and anxiety. Play music, meditate, or do something that calms you down.
It might also help to find a comfortable position to sit or stand. Leaning forward can make it easier to draw your breath.
It's also important to focus on your breath. Don't think about filling your lungs with air. Instead, focus on moving the muscles around your diaphragm. Breathe through pursed lips and keep your breaths in line with your current activity.
Save your energy when you feel out of breath. You could become tired very easily. Don't do unneeded tasks so that you can save your breath for tasks that are more important in your daily routine.
Chronic cough. This can be common, especially if you get radiation treatment.
Your doctor will first want to understand the reason for your cough. There could be many causes. For instance, a tumor may be blocking your airway. Or it might stem from a condition like asthma or a chest infection. Treating the root cause is the best way to deal with the issue.
Experts say cough suppression exercises can help. This includes things like pursed lip breathing, swallowing, or sipping water. Other techniques like breathing exercises and counseling can also help ease a chronic cough.
It's common for metastatic lung cancer to move into your bones, most often into your ribs, pelvic bone, your upper arm bones, upper leg bones, and spine. Sometimes, the cancer may also spread to the bones in your hands and feet.
This can cause chronic pain in the affected bone. It can also make it more likely to fracture. If the tumor moves to your spine, it might touch the nerves or nerve roots. This can lead to neurological symptoms like pain that shoots down your arm or leg. You may:
This can be common with metastatic lung cancer. Cancer that spreads to your brain can cause pressure inside of your skull. This can lead to:
Seizures. If you have seizures from your cancer or its treatment, you'll need to rely on your caregiver to help keep you safe. This is especially important if your seizures are violent. Among other things, your caregiver should:
Headaches. You can try some simple steps, including getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and lowering your stress levels. You also might try:
Blurred vision. This is something you should get checked out by your doctor. Ask them if they recommend the following home remedies:
Balance problems. Your care team can help you learn how to use tools, like a wheelchair or walker, that can help with your day-to-day activities. You can also try strength training and coordination exercises to benefit your balance, safety, coordination, and strength.
Memory problems. A foggy brain is a common issue when you have cancer. These steps may help:
Your doctor may prescribe medication to control the symptoms of brain metastases. Steroid and anti-seizure drugs can help you stay more comfortable.
Metastatic lung cancer can leave you tired. Find ways to take things slow and easy.
Sleepiness is another common issue. Some simple steps can help you stay more alert. You can:
Another thing to watch for is unexplained weight loss. Weigh yourself once a week, and keep track of how tight or loose your clothes are.
Talk to your doctor if you want to gain weight. They may suggest that you:
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST)
Huntsman Cancer Institute's Sarcoma Service has a specialist team that treats soft-tissue sarcomas that form in the abdomen.
Here are some soft-tissue sarcomas of the abdomen:
These are signs and symptoms of GIST:
These are signs and symptoms of uterine leiomyosarcoma:
These are signs of liposarcoma in the abdomen and retroperitoneum:
These are not sure signs of sarcomas. An infection or other problem can also cause them. Anyone with these symptoms should see a doctor as soon as possible.
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