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What is the Connection Between Cancer and Pneumonia?

M. DePietro
M. DePietro

Cancer and pneumonia are connected in several ways. Pneumonia can develop as a complication of cancer. It may also be a symptom of some types of cancer. Although lung cancer and pneumonia may occur together, pneumonia can also develop with other types of cancer.

To understand why these conditions often develop together, it is important to know what pneumonia is. Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs. It can be caused by a fungus, bacteria, or viral infection. When a person has cancer his immune system is often weaker, and he may develop pneumonia more easily.

One of the signs of lung cancer is recurrent pneumonia. When a person keeps developing respiratory problems, such as pneumonia, various other tests may be ordered such as a CT scan of the chest. Lung cancer is sometimes found this way.

Coughing and wheezing may be symptoms of pneumonia.
Coughing and wheezing may be symptoms of pneumonia.

It is also possible that a cancer diagnosis can be delayed if the cancer is mistaken for pneumonia. Sometimes, people with pneumonia may have symptoms similar to lung cancer. Since cough, shortness of breathe, wheezing, and fatigue are common symptoms of both diseases, it is possible to misdiagnose pneumonia at first.

Cancer and pneumonia are also related because the treatment for cancer can sometimes lead to pneumonia. Treatments for cancer, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy, can sometimes cause damage to the lungs as a side effect. When the lungs becomes damaged, pneumonia may develop more easily. Chemotherapy often weakens the body’s defenses, so the viruses, bacteria, and fungus that cause pneumonia may more easily attack the lungs.

Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat pneumonia.
Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat pneumonia.

If pneumonia occurs in a person with cancer, complications may occur more frequently. Respiratory distress syndrome and sepsis are two serious complications that develop more often in people who have both conditions. Sepsis occurs in people with cancer if the infection travels into the bloodstream. This can be a life-threatening infection.

Depending on the type of pneumonia, treatment may include antibiotics, breathing treatments, intravenous (IV) fluids, and oxygen. Treatment may be more aggressive if the patient also has cancer. This is to rid the body of pneumonia quickly to prevent serious complications. Patients with both diseases are more likely to be treated in the hospital instead of as outpatients at home.

Symptoms of pneumonia and cancer may include fatigue.
Symptoms of pneumonia and cancer may include fatigue.

Prevention, such as getting a pneumonia vaccine, may be recommended for people who have certain cancers. Other ways to reduce the chances of getting pneumonia include eating well, getting enough rest, and washing hands often. People with cancer should be especially diligent about staying away from others who have pneumonia to prevent becoming infected.

Discussion Comments

anon325471

My sister has been diagnosed with lung cancer on her CT scan, but is now waiting for biopsy report. Could this be mistaken for pneumonia scarring on the lung? She also has to still have a needle put through her side to her lung. She has had pneumonia for two months.

SarahGen

What can someone with cancer do to reduce the likelihood of getting pneumonia?

Is it necessary for cancer patients to stay away from public areas to avoid infections?

candyquilt

My grandmother caught a bad cold last year when she was undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. Her doctor was really worried because, apparently, a cold can easily turn into pneumonia in cancer patients. Both the cancer and the chemotherapy wreak havoc on the immune system. Something that seems minor like a common cold can develop into something a lot more serious like pneumonia under these conditions.

So the doctor kept a really close eye on my grandmother and gave her antibiotics early on so that the cold would be treated before it developed further. Thankfully, she did not develop pneumonia and she is currently cancer-free as well.

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    • Coughing and wheezing may be symptoms of pneumonia.
      By: DjiggiBodgi.com
      Coughing and wheezing may be symptoms of pneumonia.
    • Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat pneumonia.
      By: khamkula
      Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat pneumonia.
    • Symptoms of pneumonia and cancer may include fatigue.
      By: Minerva Studio
      Symptoms of pneumonia and cancer may include fatigue.
    • Hand washing can help prevent the spread of pneumonia.
      By: Lasse Kristensen
      Hand washing can help prevent the spread of pneumonia.
    • Pneumonia may require treatment through IV fluids.
      By: arztsamui
      Pneumonia may require treatment through IV fluids.
    • Recurrent pneumonia is often a sign of lung cancer.
      By: alma_sacra
      Recurrent pneumonia is often a sign of lung cancer.
    • Pneumonia can develop as a complication of certain cancers.
      By: vbaleha
      Pneumonia can develop as a complication of certain cancers.
    • Pneumonia is a type of lung infection where the lungs become inflamed.
      By: rob3000
      Pneumonia is a type of lung infection where the lungs become inflamed.
    • X-rays and other scanning technology are used to determine whether recurrent pneumonia is tied to lung cancer.
      By: citylights
      X-rays and other scanning technology are used to determine whether recurrent pneumonia is tied to lung cancer.