What are the effects of lung cancer

There are many effects of lung cancer that can occur in a person's body.  Each person's body is different, and so each body is going to respond and be affected by lung cancer in different ways.  Some of the effects of lung cancer are related to the actual cancer attacking the body, and there are also effects which stem from the different lung cancer treatments.  Here is a list of some of the effects of lung cancer:

1) Vocal paralysis: 

This is a less-common effect that is associated with lung cancer, but it is a very crucial one.  Sometimes when lung cancer spreads, the cancer can attack the nerve which leads to the vocal chords.  This attack can leave the vocal chords paralyzed, or it can leave half of the vocal chord folds paralyzed.  When a person has vocal paralysis, his voice always sounds hoarse or rocky.  This can cause a persona to have some difficulties with speech and communication, which shows that vocal paralysis can be one of the most inconvenient effects of lung cancer.

2) Chemotherapy side effects: 

There are many unpleasant side effects which can occur due to chemotherapy treatment of lung cancer.  These effects can include diarrhea, loss of hair, thinning hair, nausea, vomiting, mouth ulcers, and loss of energy.  Although these effects may be unpleasant, sometimes the promise of treatment or cure can outweigh the unpleasant side effects. 

3) Radiotherapy side effects:

There are also some effects of lung cancer radiotherapy treatments, which include the tightening of the esophagus (throat).  Other effects of radiotherapy include shortness of breath, headaches, and fatigue.  Sometimes radiotherapy can also cause a tightening of the heart, which will require surgery.  If you have heart problems and experience numbness in your left shoulder, chest tightness, an irregular (slow or fast) heartbeat, or difficulty breathing, you should contact your doctor.

4) Depression and anxiety: 

A lung cancer patient can also experience psychological effects of lung cancer, such as depression.  Some severe cases of depression cause lung cancer patients to become suicidal.  Lung cancer also is linked with anxiety disorders in some cases, which is another psychological effect of the disease.

5) Lung surgery side effects: 

Often after lung surgery, a person will experience a lot of coughing.  This is because fluid can easily get into people's lungs after they have surgery.  If you are lying down, it is a good idea to constantly turn over, cough, and breathe deeply in order to ensure that you are getting the excess fluid out of your lungs.

6) Photodynamic therapy effects: 

If you undergo photodynamic therapy, your skin and eyes will be very sensitive to light for about six weeks.  During this time period, it is recommended that lung cancer patients do not go out in the sun or be near bright indoor lights.  Photodynamic therapy effects also can include chest pain, difficulty breathing, trouble swallowing, and coughing.  If a photodynamic patient receives blisters or sores on their skin, this is a side effect which requires medical attention and consultation.

7) Change in sexual functioning: 

Sometimes a change in sexual functioning or desire is another effect of lung cancer.  This sometimes can be tied into lung cancer treatments, for chemotherapy can cause symptoms of menopause.  In addition, depression, stress, and anxiety can minimize a person's desire for sexual intercourse.  If you are pregnant, you will want to consult with a doctor regarding chemotherapy treatment, for children are known to be born with defects whose parents were undergoing chemotherapy during gestation.  In addition, some types of chemotherapy can cause infertility, and it is best to consult with your doctor if you are planning on having children.