Relationship Between COPD and Lung Cancer
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COPD vs. Lung Cancer: Understanding the Relationship
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cancer are distinct conditions. However, they share several symptoms; studies indicate the two illnesses are linked. Understanding the relationship between COPD and lung cancer is helpful for anyone facing one, the other, or both.
What Is COPD?
COPD is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes progressive deterioration of lung tissue and function. Smoking is the primary cause of COPD in developed countries like the U.S. In other countries, another leading cause is exposure to fumes from burning fuel for heat and cooking.
Patients sometimes wonder, “Is COPD cancer?” or, more specifically, “Is COPD lung cancer?” It is not. They also ask, “Does COPD lead to lung cancer?” The answer to that question is that COPD can increase the risk of developing lung cancer.
What Is Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer is a condition in which cells in the lungs become cancerous and begin multiplying out of control. As a result, tumors form and invade and destroy healthy tissue, decreasing lung function. Lung cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body, causing similar problems.
Key Differences Between COPD and Lung Cancer
| COPD | Lung Cancer | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Cause | Smoking | Smoking |
| Result | Obstruction of and lost elasticity in lungs and airways | Lung tumors and potential spreading |
| Symptoms | Wheezing, chronic cough (often with mucus), shortness of breath, chest tightness, fatigue, frequent respiratory infections, swelling in feet/ankles/legs, unintended weight loss | Cough that doesn’t go away, chest pain, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, wheezing (and additional symptoms if the disease spreads) |
| Diagnosis | Lung function tests, chest X-rays, CT scans, arterial blood gas analysis | Imaging tests, pulmonary function tests, biopsy (potentially other tests to check for spreading) |
| Treatment | Varies by degree, but can include: Smoking cessation, medication (bronchodilators, inhaled steroids), antibiotics, lung therapies, non-invasive ventilation, surgery | Surgical removal of tumors, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy |
| Prognosis | People with mild, well-managed cases can reach their full life expectancy | Lung cancer is curable if caught early |
COPD and lung cancer symptoms — especially the respiratory ones — are similar, so it’s important not to assume you have one condition, the other, or either. Your doctor will diagnose your condition and develop a treatment plan as appropriate.
Does COPD Lead to Lung Cancer?
COPD doesn’t always lead to lung cancer. However, research has shown that people with COPD have a higher risk of developing lung cancer. The relationship is likely due, in part, to COPD causing what’s called oxidative stress in lung and airway tissues that increases the likelihood of damage that produces cancerous cells.
Importance of Understanding COPD and Lung Cancer
Understanding the difference between lung cancer and COPD is crucial for many reasons. One is that it’s helpful to know COPD vs. lung cancer symptoms. COPD and lung cancer treatments are also very different, so being familiar with the two conditions gives you some idea of what to expect as you work to manage your illness.
If you have questions or concerns about COPD or lung cancer, your Baptist Health doctor can provide answers and insights.
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