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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, is a term used to describe a group of diseases involving obstruction in the lungs’ airways. These lung diseases include chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and other conditions with similar complications. Unlike obstructions caused by conditions such as asthma, the obstructions caused by COPD aren’t necessarily reversible with treatment.
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A form of cancer that occurs in the spongy tissue of the lungs. Symptoms of lung cancer may include a new and persistent cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, difficulty breathing, unexplained weight loss, and headache. In the U.S., lung cancer is the deadliest form of cancer in both men and women.
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Smoking is the leading cause of both COPD and lung cancer. The diseases are closely related and commonly occur together. Approximately 1% of people living with COPD develop lung cancer every year.¹ COPD is considered an independent risk factor for lung cancer, which means that even if two people smoked for the same number of years, the one with COPD would be more likely to develop lung cancer than the one without COPD.
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Both COPD and lung cancer show a potential for genetic predisposition. COPD can obscure the symptoms of lung cancer, making diagnosis difficult. Lung cancer is the most fatal type of cancer, and COPD is roughly the 3rd or 4th leading cause of death in the United States.²
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There is a growing segment of research that suggests sleep problems may play a role in the development of lung cancer, as well. Problems like obstructive sleep apnea can lead to low blood oxygen levels and potentially change the way the immune system responds to tumors in the lungs. Likewise, COPD and lung cancer can be disruptive to sleep and/or reduce sleep quality.
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Treatment of COPD may involve inhaled bronchodilators, corticosteroids, antibiotics, and other medications. Treatment of lung cancer may involve things like surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other targeted therapies. The effects of COPD may interfere with certain types of lung cancer treatment, making it more difficult to treat patients with both conditions.
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If symptoms like chest pain, coughing, or difficulty breathing have begun to affect your daily life, it may be time to speak with a pulmonologist. Through specialized diagnostic testing, your respiratory specialist will be able to determine whether your symptoms indicate a condition such as COPD, lung cancer, asthma, or pulmonary fibrosis. If you are diagnosed with a pulmonary disease, a specialist will be able to help you create a tailored treatment plan to reduce the impact of symptoms and improve your outlook.
Crystal Run Healthcare is a trusted medical center with locations in New York. Our respiratory specialists and oncologists can help you identify and treat COPD and lung cancer to give you the best quality of life. You can easily book an appointment with many Crystal Run Healthcare physicians through the website or contact us if you need additional assistance.
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https://www.healthline.com/health/copd/copd-and-lung-cancer https://www.verywellhealth.com/copd-and-lung-cancer-riskrecognition-and-treatment-4120828