Managing symptoms of lung metastases

You may experience some symptoms when you have lung metastases. These can be well controlled, and it is unlikely you will experience all of these symptoms.

Your treating team will be able to recommend treatments and ways to reduce the impact on your quality of life.

Breathlessness

Breathlessness is a common symptom of lung metastases. It can be frightening, distressing and physically tiring. You may find breathing uncomfortable or feel as though you can't get enough air into your lungs.

Read about the causes and medical and non-medical ways to help shortness of breath, Breathing problems and metastatic breast cancer.  

Coughing

Many different things may cause a cough, including:

• mucus (‘phlegm’) in the chest and throat that is difficult to clear
• a build-up of fluid in the lungs, in the pleural cavity (‘pleural effusion’)
• a chest infection
• breast cancer cells blocking lymph channels in the lungs (‘lymphangitis’), which causes inflammation and scarring of the tissue
• scarring of the lungs from radiotherapy
• existing lung problems such as asthma or emphysema
• pain, anxiety or fear.

Talk to your doctor about these symptoms if you have them. They can investigate and recommend the most suitable treatment.

Ways to reduce coughing due to phlegm

If you find it’s hard to clear phlegm in your chest and throat, options may be:

• cough medicines to loosen phlegm
• a steam inhaler to break up phlegm
• a nebuliser machine, which changes medication (such as Ventolin) into steam to open your airways
• low-dose morphine or codeine (in syrup or tablet form).

Loss of appetite

If you’re struggling to eat well and you’ve lost your appetite, let your doctor know. There are ways to make sure your body has the nutrition it needs.

Your doctor may refer you to a dietitian or may recommend medication or food supplements to help.

For information on ways to improve your appetite, read Poor appetite.

Fatigue

Fatigue is common when you are living with metastatic breast cancer.

Different things can contribute to fatigue. Your doctor can investigate the cause or causes and recommend the right treatment. This could include:

• gentle exercise, such as walking
• treating anaemia, if blood tests show you have low red blood cells
• working with a dietitian to improve your nutrition
• prescribing drugs to boost energy and appetite.

For information on ways to reduce fatigue, read Fatigue and breast cancer treatment.

Pain

Pain is not always a symptom of lung metastases.

If you do experience pain, talk to your treating doctor. They may do an assessment to understand the cause, which may not be related to your breast cancer.

It’s important to know that pain can almost always be controlled. There are many treatment options available.

Find out about Pain and metastatic breast cancer.