Secondary breast cancer in the lungs

Sometimes cells can break away from the original cancer in the breast and spread to one or both  lungs through the blood or lymph system. It is not uncommon for the lymph nodes of the chest (mediastinum) to be affected.

The cells that have spread to the lungs are breast cancer cells. It is not the same as having cancer that starts in the lungs. When breast cancer spreads to the lungs it can be treated but it can't be cured.

Symptoms

If you have secondary breast cancer in the lungs you may have a number of different symptoms. They can range from mild to severe, depending on how advanced the cancer is.

Breathlessness

One of the more common symptoms of secondary breast cancer in the lungs is breathlessness. The medical term for this is dyspnoea. You may find breathing is uncomfortable or feel that you can’t get enough air into your lungs. This is often more noticeable when you are moving but some people experience breathlessness when they are still or lying down.

Breathlessness can happen for different reasons. The cancer can narrow or block the airways. Sometimes the cancer can  cause swelling or inflammation, which can make breathing more difficult.

Secondary breast cancer in the lungs can increase the risk of chest infections, which can also cause breathlessness.

Cough

A cough is another common symptom that can be distressing and tiring. It may be caused by the cancer itself or by an infection. Phlegm can  build up in the chest and throat and may  be difficult to bring up.

Cough medicines can  help to control coughing and  loosen the phlegm. Using a nebuliser can also help to loosen the phlegm, making it easier to bring up. If the cough is very difficult to control your doctors may prescribe a codeine-based drug or low-dose morphine.

Pain

Most pain can be relieved or controlled. Always tell your doctors if you have pain. They will ask you to describe where the pain is, how it feels, how strong it is and what makes it better or worse. This will help them decide what to do to control your pain. If your pain relief does not seem to be helping, tell your doctors as they will be able to prescribe a different drug . If your pain is not properly under control, you can be referred to a specialist palliative care or symptom control team.

Pleural effusion

A pleural effusion is a build-up of extra fluid in the pleural space. It may make you feel breathless but this can sometimes be eased by taking away the extra fluid.

Loss of appetite and weight loss

When you have secondary breast cancer in the lungs you may feel less hungry than usual and lose weight. This can be caused by the effect of the cancer or by the treatment. It may help to eat little and often rather than eat normal-sized meals. Nutritional supplements may be useful if you feel you are not managing to eat enough.

If you experience any of these symptoms it is important to contact the specialist team caring for you. They will be able to help you manage the symptoms. This can mean a change in treatment or trying different symptom control methods, such as breathing techniques.

Last reviewed May 2012; next planned review 2013