Adenocarcinoma of the lung natural history, complications, and prognosis

Adenocarcinoma of the Lung Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Adenocarcinoma of the Lung from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Study of Choice
Staging
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
X Ray
Echocardiography and Ultrasound
CT
MRI
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Intervention
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Adenocarcinoma of the lung natural history, complications, and prognosis On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Adenocarcinoma of the lung natural history, complications, and prognosis All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Adenocarcinoma of the lung natural history, complications, and prognosis
CDC on Adenocarcinoma of the lung natural history, complications, and prognosis
Adenocarcinoma of the lung natural history, complications, and prognosis in the news
Blogs on Adenocarcinoma of the lung natural history, complications, and prognosis
Directions to Hospitals Treating Adenocarcinoma of the lung
Risk calculators and risk factors for Adenocarcinoma of the lung natural history, complications, and prognosis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Shanshan Cen, M.D. [2]

Natural History

• The majority of lung cancers present with advanced disease because the symptoms tend to occur later in the course of the disease.
• The patient experiences non-specific symptoms such as cough, hemoptysis, dyspnea, chest pain, dysphonia, dysphagia, lack of appetite, weight loss, and fatigue from 3 weeks to 3 months before seeking medical attention.
• While of duration of symptoms, the tumor cell may double 20 times.
• In more advanced disease, the tumor may spread to other organs such as the spinal cord, brain, and bone.
• These patients may develop symptoms such as leg weakness, paresthesias, bladder dysfunction, seizures, hemiplegia, cranial nerve palsies, confusion , personality changes, skeletal pain, and pleuritic pain.
• Once the cancer spreads to the other organs, it is most likely fatal.

Complications

• Breathing difficulties

• Lung cancer patients can experience trouble breathing especially when tumors grow and block the airways. Also, it is possible for fluid to build up in the lungs of the patients which makes it difficult for the lungs to fully expand when inhaling.

• Pneumonia

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

• Hemoptysis (coughing up blood)

• Occasionally lung cancer can cause bleeding in the airways which results in the patient coughing up blood.

• Pain

• It is possible that lung cancer will cause pain as well, especially if it spreads to the lining of the lung, or other areas of the body, like the bones.
• There are treatments to help combat the pain.

• Pleural effusion

• Lung cancer can cause fluid to build up in the lungs which can cause breathing difficulties.
• There are treatments available to help drain the excess fluid

• Metastasis

• In many cases, lung cancer will spread out to other parts of the body. Some of the more common places lung cancer metastasizes to are the bones, liver, brain, and adrenal glands.

• Horner's syndrome

• 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).

Prognosis

Non–small cell lung cancer survival rate by stage

Stage	5-year survival rate
IA	49%
IB	45%
IIA	30%
IIB	31%
IIIA	14%
IIIB	5%
IV	1%

References

Template:WikiDoc Sources