Side effects will vary with the types of treatments used. Listed here are some potential side effects by therapy type:
Surgery:
- Pain
- Fatigue
- Blood clots
- Collapsed lung
- Heart problems
Chemotherapy:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Swelling
- Rash
- Flu-like symptoms
- Anemia (low red blood cells)
- Leukopenia (low white blood cells)
- Loss of appetite
- Hair loss
Chemotherapy can put patients at increased risk for infection and bleeding. Blood counts as well as renal and hepatic function tests should be taken regularly. Certain drugs have been associated with a type of pneumonia that can be severe.
Radiation therapy:
- Fatigue
- Difficulty breathing, including a cough and shortness of breath
- Nausea and vomiting
- Skin problems
- Heart problems – if the treatment area is near the heart
- Scarring of the lung tissues (called pulmonary fibrosis)
- Sore throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Loss of appetite
- Radiation pneumonitis
Targeted therapy: Side effects may vary with the type of targeted therapy.
- Tiredness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Change in sense of taste and touch
- Swelling
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Pain in joints, bones muscles or nerves including the back and extremities
- Weakness of muscles/spasms
- Weight gain/loss
- Loss of appetite
- Nosebleed and serious bleeding problems
- Difficulty swallowing
- Cough
- Fever
- Chills
- Rash and other skin effects
- Anemia (low red blood cells)
- Low neutrophils and leukocytes (types of white blood cells)
- Dehydration
- Vision/eye problems
- Lung problems/infections
- Liver problems
- Increased liver enzymes and other enzymes
- High blood sugar
- Chest pain
- Low heart rate
- High or low blood pressure
- Urinary tract infection
- Hyponatremia (low levels of sodium in the blood)
- Nail disorders
- Heartburn/indigestion,
- Excessive sweating
- Dry mouth,
- Inflammation of the lining of the nose or mouth (e.g., sore mouth or mouth ulcers) and other membranes
- Shortness of breath
- Stuffy nose
- Nose bleeds
- Neurologic/psychiatric reactions such as depression
- Vocal change/impairment
- Hair loss
Immunotherapies:
- Nausea
- Hair loss
- Decreased appetite
- Feeling tired or weak
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Skin rash or itchiness
- Fever
- Chills
- Swelling of the legs
- Upper respiratory/lung infection
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Joint pain, nerve pain or back pain
- Urinary tract infection
- Hormone gland problems (particularly the thyroid, adrenals, pituitary and pancreas)
- Elevated liver enzymes (this can be a sign of an inflamed liver)
- Low neutrophils (a type of white cells)
- Insomnia
When combined with chemotherapy, the very common side effects include:
- Bleeding
- High blood pressure
- Anemia (low red blood cells) – this can cause shortness of breath and tiredness
- Low white cell count – which can increase the risk of infection, constipation, mouth sores or blisters
- Low levels of magnesium – which can cause weakness and muscle cramping as well as numbness and pain in the arms and legs
Here is a list of some common side effects of lung cancer treatments, and what you can do to manage them. As always, let your doctor know if you are experiencing any side effects.
Fatigue: Whether you’re feeling a bit tired or totally exhausted, fatigue is a side effect of many cancer treatments. Be sure to take short naps as needed.
Skin Reactions: A rash, skin dryness or irritation can be frustrating, but they are common. Always wear a hat and sunscreen when you’re outside and avoid using skin care products before a radiation treatment.
Shortness of Breath: Shortness of breath can be caused by treatment, infection, or the cancer itself. If you’re having trouble breathing, call your doctor right away. Your doctor will diagnose the issue and help you find solutions.
Hair Loss: Losing some or all of your hair is common after radiation and certain forms of chemotherapy. Some people prefer to cut their hair short or purchase a wig to help them feel more like themselves. Losing hair can be very emotional, so do what feels right for you.
Sore Throat and Mouth: Some treatments can cause dry mouth or mouth sores. Try to eat mostly soft foods and stay away from things that are spicy and greasy. A frozen popsicle can give your mouth some relief as well.
Loss of Appetite and Nausea: Even if you don’t have an appetite, it’s still important to eat throughout the day to keep your strength up. If you’re experiencing nausea or vomiting, stick to bland foods and drink ginger or peppermint tea to soothe the stomach. There’s also medication that might help, so be sure to check with your doctor.
Diarrhea or Constipation: Gastrointestinal side effects are common with treatment.
If you’re constipated, stay away from caffeine and drink plenty of water. Add high-fibre foods to your diet and get a little exercise. If you have diarrhoea, avoid high-fibre foods that are hard to digest, like raw vegetables, and drink lots of water.