Complications of Lung Cancer Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Lung Cancer Lung Cancer Complications By Julie Lynn MarksMedically Reviewed by Thomas Urban Marron, MD, PhDReviewed: August 19, 2021Medically ReviewedChest pain can be one complication of lung cancer. Adobe StockIf you have lung cancer, you might experience complications, especially if your condition progresses. 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. Treatment-Related Complications 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. NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Cancer Care Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking Lung Cancer, NIH: U.S. National Library of Medicine.Key Statistics for Lung Cancer, American Cancer Society.Lung Cancer Complications, Mayo Clinic.Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, University of Maryland Medical Center.Complications of Lung Cancer Treatment, PubMed.Gov.Lung Cancer Complications, AARP.Side Effect Management, Lung Cancer Alliance.Show Less The Latest in Lung Cancer The Price of Being Invisible How One Black Woman Fought for Her Lung Cancer DiagnosisNichelle Stigger thought she had lung cancer. Doctors didn’t believe her. Six months later, she learned she was right.By Susan K. TreimanOctober 7, 2022 Standing Up for Better Lung Cancer CareWith the support of his family, Walter Pearsall spoke up about his lung cancer treatment and was able to get the care he deserves.By Lambeth HochwaldOctober 6, 2022 Building Trust Is Key to Breaking Barriers in Lung Cancer CareEnid Harding is helping marginalized communities get access to lung cancer screenings. She starts by listening to them.By Kaitlin SullivanAugust 24, 2022 Working to Reduce Lung Cancer s Impact on Hard-Hit CommunitiesCarmen Guerra, MD, has launched navigator programs that help patients plan and access screening and treatment.By Susan K. TreimanAugust 24, 2022 Spotlight On LUNGevityLUNGevity offers people with lung cancer and survivors an array of critical services ranging from basic information to peer-to-peer patient mentorship...By Leona VaughnJune 23, 2022 Nearly Half of People With Abnormal Lung Cancer Screening Postpone Follow-Up CareCurrent smokers more likely to delay care, prompting concern from experts.By Becky UphamMay 24, 2022 What Is Scanxiety and How Can It Affect You When You Have Metastatic Lung Cancer By Katherine LeeFebruary 2, 2022 It s Possible Everything Is Going to Be Okay — A Powerful Metastatic Lung Cancer MantraBy Katherine LeeFebruary 2, 2022 I Feel Happier Now Than Ever — and I Have Metastatic Lung Cancer By Katherine LeeFebruary 2, 2022 I Had a Nagging Feeling That Something Was Wrong in My Body By Katherine LeeFebruary 2, 2022MORE IN Tracking Lung Cancer s Path Lung Cancer Treatment What Is Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Symptoms Stages Treatment and More