Management of malignant pleural effusion: challenges and solutions. Penz E, Watt KN, Hergott CA, Rahman NM, Psallidas I. There are different methods for pain control, and you or your loved one won't run out of options. Using drugs to treat today's pain won't mean that nothing is available if pain gets worse tomorrow. When lung cancer spreads to bones in the chest and spine, there are options for pain control including radiation and pain medications. Pain: Many people are anxious about dying in pain.
Cancer cachexia, a syndrome of unexplained weight loss and muscle wasting, is very common in the late stages of cancer. Weight loss is nearly universal too, even when people are eating enough. Fatigue and weight loss: Profound fatigue is common in the late stages of lung cancer.Morphine can "turn off" the signal to the brain so that even if oxygen levels fall, you won't experience shortness of breath. Oxygen may be helpful but other drugs are key to controlling it. Shortness of breath: Some people are understandably afraid and say they feel like they are suffocating because of shortness of breath.A doctor can show you ways to control coughing and make you or your loved one more comfortable. A cough that won't let up: Sometimes the coughing is because of tumor growth in the airways, or fluids that just won't come up.New drugs also may be needed to limit the number of seizures. Radiation therapy may slow tumor growth and ease symptoms. Symptoms due to brain metastases: When lung cancer spreads to the brain, people may have headaches, seizures, and related symptoms like weakness or speech problems.These tumors also may cause bleeding, which can be treated with radiation or another procedure meant to shrink the tumor. Obstruction or bleeding from the large airways: Lung cancers that grow near airways may block them as any tumors spread.
They may also place a shunt for you or a loved one to drain the fluid at home. If fluid build-up continues, they may recommend pleurodesis, a procedure to prevent fluid from accumulating again. This malignant pleural effusion causes shortness of breath and doctors often drain the fluid to improve breathing and comfort levels.
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