How does the lung cancer affects organisms?
Local effects
Lung cancer can cause several local effects, including:
* Cough: Lung cancer can irritate the airways and cause a persistent cough.
* Hemoptysis: Coughing up blood is a common sign of lung cancer.
* Shortness of breath: As lung cancer grows, it can block the airways and make it difficult to breathe.
* Chest pain: Lung cancer can cause chest pain that is often worse with coughing or deep breathing.
* Hoarseness: Lung cancer can damage the nerves that control the voice box, causing hoarseness.
* Weight loss: Lung cancer can cause weight loss due to several factors, including decreased appetite, increased metabolism, and cachexia (a wasting syndrome associated with cancer).
Systemic effects
In addition to local effects, lung cancer can cause several systemic effects, including:
* Fatigue: Fatigue is a common symptom of lung cancer. It is often caused by a combination of factors, including the cancer itself, treatment side effects, and stress.
* Anemia: Lung cancer can cause anemia (a decrease in red blood cells) due to several factors, including bleeding, malnutrition, and bone marrow suppression.
* Hypercalcemia: Lung cancer can cause hypercalcemia (high levels of calcium in the blood) due to the release of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) by the tumor.
* Hyponatremia: Lung cancer can cause hyponatremia (low levels of sodium in the blood) due to several factors, including fluid retention and diuretic use.
* Hyperuricemia: Lung cancer can cause hyperuricemia (high levels of uric acid in the blood) due to the breakdown of tumor cells and release of purines.
* Liver damage: Lung cancer can cause liver damage due to direct invasion of the liver or due to the effects of chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
* Kidney damage: Lung cancer can cause kidney damage due to direct invasion of the kidneys or due to the effects of chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Paraneoplastic syndromes
Paraneoplastic syndromes are rare conditions that occur in some people with cancer and are not directly related to the tumor's location or spread. Lung cancer can be associated with several paraneoplastic syndromes, including:
* Cushing's syndrome: This condition is characterized by high levels of the hormone cortisol. It can cause weight gain, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
* Hyperthyroidism: This condition is characterized by high levels of thyroid hormone. It can cause weight loss, anxiety, and heat intolerance.
* SiADH: Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, which can lead to low sodium levels.
* Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome: This condition is characterized by muscle weakness and fatigue. It is caused by the body's immune system attacking the nerves and muscles.
* Polymyositis: This condition is characterized by inflammation and weakness in the muscles. It is often associated with skin rashes and joint pain.
Lung cancer can have a devastating impact on the lives of patients and their families. Early detection and treatment are essential to improving the chances of survival.