Answer:

Lung cancer metastasis to the pleura occurs when cancer cells from the lung spread to and invade the membrane surrounding the lungs. During the disease's progression, cancer cells can detach from the original lung tumor and invade nearby tissues or spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system, the body's natural transport network.

When cancer cells reach the pleura, they can multiply and grow, forming new metastatic lesions. This causes pleural effusion, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain. Lung cancer metastasis to the pleura is common in patients with end-stage lung cancer, making treatment more complex and the prognosis worse if not promptly addressed.

Medical team performing an endoscopy on a patient with pleural effusion. Illustrative photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Patients may experience several severe, persistent symptoms, including a persistent dry or phlegm-producing cough, coughing up blood, bright red or dark blood in the sputum, dull or intense chest pain, and progressively worsening shortness of breath, especially during mild exertion like walking or climbing stairs. Patients might feel breathless even while resting, and also experience fatigue, poor appetite, and rapid weight loss. In many cases, cachexia (irreversible loss of muscle and fat) occurs, causing a significant decline in health. These symptoms impact quality of life and indicate the extent of the disease's spread, necessitating aggressive treatment.

Treatment for lung cancer that has metastasized to the pleura depends on the stage and type of cancer, as well as the patient's overall health. Common treatment methods include:

: Chemotherapy: Intravenous drugs are used to attack cancer cells. While effective systemically, chemotherapy can also affect healthy tissues like mucous membranes, hair, and skin.

: Radiation therapy: Radiation is directed at the affected area to control the tumor.

: Immunotherapy: Drugs are used to help the immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells.

: Targeted therapy: This directly affects abnormal gene mutations or proteins in cancer cells, slowing disease progression with less impact on normal cells.

Because your father is experiencing chest pain and shortness of breath, he should see a doctor for a follow-up examination as soon as possible to determine the appropriate treatment.

Dr. Phan Thi Anh Thu

Respiratory Department

Tam Anh General Hospital, Hanoi